Thermal, CA

Riverside County Ordinance 348 Section 18.28 limits customer and client visits to a home occupation and prohibits any activity that generates traffic or parking demand exceeding normal residential levels. Walk-in retail sales to the general public are not allowed in residential zones.

Riverside County generally prohibits any exterior signage advertising a home occupation. Ordinance 348 Section 18.28 requires that home occupations produce no external evidence of the business, and Ordinance 521.2 (the County Sign Ordinance) does not authorize commercial signage on residentially zoned parcels.

Riverside County permits home occupations as accessory uses in residential zones under Ordinance 348 Section 18.28. The use must be clearly incidental to the residential character of the dwelling, occupy no more than 25% of the floor area, and generate no external evidence of non-residential activity.

Riverside County follows the California Homemade Food Act (AB 1616 / H&S §113758 et seq.) allowing Cottage Food Operations (CFOs) to produce non-potentially-hazardous foods at home. The County Environmental Health Department registers Class A operations and permits Class B. Riverside County also adopted the MEHKO program under AB 626.

California state law (Health & Safety Code §1597.30 et seq., the California Child Day Care Facilities Act) preempts local zoning for family daycare homes. Small (up to 8 children) and large (up to 14 children) family daycares are permitted by right in any residential zone in unincorporated Riverside County, subject only to state licensing by CDSS Community Care Licensing.

Riverside County requires a Home Occupation Permit from the Planning Department and a County Business License for most home-based businesses in unincorporated areas. The permit is ministerial (no hearing) when standards in Ordinance 348 Section 18.28 are met, with fees typically under $200.

Gas and electric leaf blowers are allowed in unincorporated Riverside County only during daytime hours and must not exceed noise limits at adjacent residential property lines.

Riverside County Ord. 847 sets A-weighted dBA limits that vary by receiving land use, with residential nighttime limits around 45 dBA and daytime limits near 55 dBA.

Construction noise in unincorporated Riverside County is generally limited to 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with no work allowed on Sundays or federal holidays.

Amplified music in unincorporated Riverside County must not be plainly audible at neighboring homes after 10 p.m. and is subject to dBA limits at the property line at all times.

Riverside County treats persistent barking as a public nuisance enforceable by Animal Services, with escalating citations and potential license revocation for chronic offenders.

Riverside County Ordinance No. 847 establishes nighttime quiet hours in unincorporated areas, with sound limits lowered from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily.

Aircraft operations are regulated by the FAA and preempted from local noise enforcement; Riverside County addresses aircraft noise only through airport land-use planning and voluntary curfews.

Industrial and manufacturing uses in unincorporated Riverside County must comply with Ord. 847 dBA limits at the nearest residential property line 24 hours per day.

Outdoor music at private residences, wineries, and event venues in unincorporated Riverside County must meet Ord. 847 limits and typically requires a permit for amplification after 10 p.m.

Ordinance No. 927 imposes strict noise standards on unincorporated short-term rentals, with an absolute 10 p.m.-7 a.m. quiet period and prohibitions on amplified outdoor sound.

Unincorporated STRs must provide at least one on-site parking space per bedroom and prohibit guest street parking where it would impede emergency access.

Unincorporated STR hosts must maintain liability insurance of at least $500,000 (often $1 million in WUI areas) naming Riverside County as additional insured for wildfire risk.

All short-term rentals in unincorporated Riverside County must register annually under Ord. 927, obtain a TOT certificate, and display the permit number in every listing.

Unincorporated STRs must collect Transient Occupancy Tax (currently 10%), Tourism Business Improvement District fees, and pay annual permit and inspection fees to Riverside County.

Ordinance No. 927 caps overnight occupancy at two persons per bedroom plus two, with daytime/event occupancy limited to 150% of overnight capacity or a hard cap per permit.

Riverside County does not impose a countywide annual night cap on unincorporated STRs, but overlay districts (Wine Country, Idyllwild) and HOA CC&Rs may limit total rental nights.

Riverside County does not restrict short-term rental certificates to a host's primary residence. Investor-owned vacation homes are eligible to operate under Ord. 927, subject to zoning, density caps in Wine Country, and standard registration requirements.

Riverside County requires online hosting platforms to display the local STR certificate number on every listing for unincorporated parcels. Platforms that knowingly host unpermitted Wine Country or unincorporated RivCo properties face enforcement and may be required to delist non-compliant units.

Riverside County Ordinance 927 governs short-term rentals in unincorporated areas, including Wine Country, and does not require a host to remain on-site during guest stays. Whole-home rentals are permitted with a valid STR certificate.

Riverside County Ordinance 927 authorizes a graduated enforcement system. After repeated violations within a rolling twelve-month period, the county may suspend or revoke a short-term rental certificate, barring the property from operating again for a fixed cooling-off period.

Riverside County Ordinance 927 defines short-term rentals as stays of fewer than thirty consecutive days. Bookings of thirty days or longer are treated as ordinary rental tenancies and fall under California landlord-tenant law rather than the county STR program.

Riverside County Ordinance No. 927 requires STR Certificates for unincorporated areas. Application fee $740, annual renewal $540. Wine Country and Idyllwild have caps and lottery systems. Responsible operator must respond within 60 minutes.

All fireworks - including 'safe and sane' - are illegal in unincorporated Riverside County under Ord. 671, with enhanced wildfire-season penalties and felony exposure for aerial devices.

Property owners must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under PRC §4291 and Riverside County Ord. 787, with annual inspections by CAL FIRE and the Fire Hazard Reduction Program.

California Health & Safety Code §13113.7 requires working smoke alarms in every sleeping area and hallway, with 10-year sealed battery units mandatory in homes sold or substantially altered after 2015.

Recreational fires in unincorporated Riverside County are sharply restricted in WUI zones, require clearance and screening, and are banned entirely during Red Flag Warnings.

Most of unincorporated Riverside County is mapped in Fire Hazard Severity Zones by CAL FIRE, triggering Chapter 7A building codes, 100-ft defensible space, and AB 38 disclosures.

Open burning of vegetation is largely prohibited in unincorporated Riverside County and requires a CAL FIRE burn permit plus a permissive burn day declaration from SCAQMD/MDAQMD.

Riverside County Fire Department enforces California Fire Code Chapter 61 limits on residential propane storage, requiring setbacks from structures, ignition sources, and neighbors based on container size.

Fire pits permitted under CFC §307.4 with 15-foot clearance. Gas/propane preferred. Wood burning restricted during air district no-burn days (SCAQMD or MDAQMD depending on location).

California Civil Code §841 (the Good Neighbor Fence Act) governs partition fences between adjoining properties in unincorporated Riverside County. Both neighbors are presumed to share equally the cost of a reasonable boundary fence. The party wishing to build must give 30 days' written notice describing the fence and costs before proceeding.

Riverside County enforces California Building Code Chapter 31A and California Health & Safety Code §§115920-115929 for swimming pool barriers. Pools must be enclosed by a 60-inch (5-foot) fence with self-closing, self-latching gates, and new construction must provide at least two drowning-prevention safety features from the statutory list.

Riverside County requires a building permit for fences over 6 feet and for retaining walls over 3 feet above lower grade, per California Building Code and Ordinance 457. Fences on property lines between neighbors generally do not need a permit at 6 feet or under, but permits are still needed if engineered footings, masonry, or pool-barrier compliance is involved.

Most fence materials are allowed in unincorporated Riverside County but barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences are restricted to agricultural zones under Ordinance 348. In WUI fire zones, Ord. 787 and CBC Chapter 7A encourage non-combustible materials next to structures. Scenic corridors prohibit reflective and industrial fence types.

Riverside County Ordinance 348 and Ord. 457 set general fence requirements: front setback limits, sight-distance triangles, pool-barrier standards, and grading rules. In WUI fire areas the Ord. 787 defensible-space rules affect fence materials next to wildland. Agricultural, scenic-corridor, and HOA parcels carry additional layered requirements.

Retaining walls over 3 feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall require a building permit in Riverside County under California Building Code §105.2 (as adopted by Ordinance 460). Walls supporting a surcharge (such as a driveway or pool) require a permit at any height. Walls are drawn to seismic standards for Design Category D.

Under Riverside County Ordinance 348 Section 19.2, fences in residential zones are limited to 3.5 feet in the front-yard setback and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Fences over these heights, and all fences in agricultural zones over 6 feet, typically require a building permit and zoning review. Corner-lot sight-distance triangles limit fence height near driveways and intersections.

Portable spas and hot tubs require an electrical permit and must comply with CEC Article 680. Any spa with water deeper than 18 inches is subject to the California Swimming Pool Safety Act barrier rules unless it has a listed, locked, manual safety cover meeting ASTM F1346.

A building permit is required from Riverside County Building & Safety to construct, install, or substantially alter any swimming pool or spa deeper than 18 inches. Plans must meet the 2022 California Building Code, California Electrical Code, and Swimming Pool Safety Act requirements before pouring or installation.

Riverside County enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (H&S §115920 et seq.) and CBC §3109, requiring pools and spas deeper than 18 inches to be surrounded by a barrier at least 60 inches tall with at least two of seven approved safety features, such as self-closing self-latching gates, pool covers, or alarms.

Beyond the fence and barrier requirements, Riverside County pool owners must comply with California's anti-entrapment suction outlet rules (VGB Act), bonded and GFCI-protected electrical, safe pool chemistry per Title 22, and standard negligence standards for attractive nuisance liability.

Above-ground pools with water deeper than 18 inches require a building permit and full compliance with the California Swimming Pool Safety Act in unincorporated Riverside County. Pool walls 48 inches or taller can serve as part of the barrier, but the access ladder must be removable or barricaded.

Riverside County Ordinance 630 requires dogs in public places and on private property not owned by the dog's owner to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under physical control. Off-leash is permitted only in posted designated areas. Violations carry fines and can escalate to impoundment for repeat offenses.

California Fish & Game Code §2118 and California Code of Regulations Title 14 §671 prohibit keeping most exotic wildlife (big cats, primates, venomous reptiles, wolves, alligators) as pets in California, including Riverside County. Riverside County Ordinance 630 enforces state law and requires permits where state allows exotics (typically for USDA-licensed exhibitors).

Unincorporated Riverside County allows livestock (horses, cattle, sheep, goats) on agriculturally zoned parcels under Ordinance 348. Typical minimums are 1 acre for the first horse or cow and 20,000 sq ft per additional animal, with setback and sanitation rules. Wine Country, Aguanga, Anza, and the Banning Pass are notable horse regions.

Under Riverside County Ordinance 348, chickens and small livestock are allowed on most residential-agricultural (R-A), rural residential (R-R), and agricultural (A-1, A-2) parcels. On standard residential (R-1) parcels, small numbers of hens may be kept subject to setback and coop standards. Roosters and larger flocks generally require parcels of 1 acre or more.

Unincorporated Riverside County does not impose breed-specific legislation. California Food & Agricultural Code §31683 bars any local law that declares a dog dangerous based solely on breed. Riverside County Ordinance 630 regulates potentially dangerous and vicious dogs by behavior, not breed. Mandatory spay/neuter can apply only to individual dogs declared dangerous.

Riverside County Ordinance 630 and California Fish & Game Code §251.3 prohibit intentionally feeding big-game mammals (bears, deer, coyotes, mountain lions). Feeding wildlife creates dangerous habituation and triggers public-safety responses. Bird feeders are generally allowed but can be cited if they attract rodents, bears, or create a nuisance.

Beekeeping in unincorporated Riverside County is regulated under Ordinance 348 and California Food & Agricultural Code §29001+. Apiaries must be registered annually with the County Agricultural Commissioner. Hives are typically permitted on agricultural and rural residential parcels with setbacks from property lines; residential beekeeping is more limited.

Riverside County requires all licensed dogs and cats to be microchipped with current owner contact information registered to a recognized national database, enforced through RCDAS at licensing renewal.

Riverside County Ordinance 630.10 requires all dogs and cats over four months in unincorporated areas to be spayed or neutered unless the owner holds a valid intact-animal permit from RCDAS.

Riverside County Ordinance 630 limits residential properties to four dogs and four cats over four months old without a kennel or cattery permit, with stricter caps in subdivided residential zones.

Riverside County pet grooming businesses must meet zoning under Ordinance 348, obtain a county business license, comply with Public Health sanitation standards, and meet Ordinance 630 humane-handling rules.

Riverside County follows California Department of Fish and Wildlife guidance: coyotes are not relocated, attractants must be removed, and hazing by residents is encouraged, with depredation permits required for lethal removal.

Riverside County enforces animal hoarding through Ordinance 630 cruelty provisions and California Penal Code Section 597, allowing RCDAS to seize animals when health, sanitation, or welfare conditions are compromised.

Riverside County Ordinance 630 requires owned cats over four months old to wear ID, be vaccinated against rabies, and discourages free-roaming through nuisance provisions enforced by RCDAS.

California AB 485 prohibits Riverside County pet stores from selling commercially bred dogs, cats, or rabbits unless sourced from shelters or rescues, enforced locally by RCDAS and county code compliance.

Riverside County Ordinance 348 permits veterinary clinics in commercial and limited industrial zones, with overnight boarding and outdoor runs requiring conditional use permits and noise-buffer setbacks from residences.

Detached sheds and accessory buildings up to 120 square feet and under one story do not require a building permit in unincorporated Riverside County under the California Building Code, but all sheds must still comply with Ord. 348 zoning setbacks, typically 5 feet from side/rear property lines.

Tiny homes on permanent foundations under 500 sq ft may be permitted as Junior ADUs in unincorporated Riverside County. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are treated as recreational vehicles under California law and cannot be used as permanent dwellings except in designated RV parks or under California's Movable Tiny House standards.

Riverside County must allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs (JADUs) on any residential or mixed-use parcel under California Government Code §65852.2 and §65852.22. County Ord. 348 was updated to conform, and recent state laws (SB 1211, AB 2533) expand the number of detached ADUs allowed on multifamily sites.

Carports in unincorporated Riverside County require a building permit if they are attached to the dwelling or if their projected roof area exceeds 120 sq ft. Zoning setbacks under Ord. 348 apply, and any carport that encroaches into a side yard must be open on at least two sides and meet fire separation standards.

Converting a garage into habitable space in unincorporated Riverside County requires a building permit and typically a conversion ADU application. California ADU law (Gov Code §65852.2) requires the County to ministerially approve garage conversions to ADUs and waives the replacement-parking requirement.

Riverside County encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping through the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) adopted via Ordinance 859. New landscapes over 500 sq ft (2,500 sq ft for owner homeowners) must meet climate-appropriate plant lists, efficient irrigation, and soil management. Desert natives have strong protections under state law.

Riverside County Ordinance 695 requires property owners to abate weeds, dry grass, and combustible vegetation that create a fire hazard. Abatement notices typically require grass and weeds to be mowed to 3-4 inches or less by a published deadline each spring (usually May 1). Non-compliance leads to county-contracted abatement with cost liens.

Unincorporated Riverside County is served by multiple water districts — Eastern Municipal, Western Municipal, Coachella Valley Water District, Desert Water Agency, Rancho California, and others. Under California Water Code §10608 (SB X7-7) and the AB 1668/SB 606 framework, all enforce permanent outdoor water efficiency rules. Typical restrictions limit landscape irrigation to 2-3 days per week and prohibit runoff.

Riverside County Ordinance 695 authorizes the Fire Department to declare weeds and dry vegetation a public nuisance and order abatement. Ordinance 725 treats overgrown vegetation that harbors rodents or impairs neighboring properties as a general nuisance. Invasive weeds (yellow star thistle, arundo) are subject to Ag Commissioner quarantine and abatement.

Tree trimming on private property is generally unregulated in unincorporated Riverside County except where trees overhang county road right-of-way, block sight distance, or are within utility easements. Heritage and native oak protections apply in designated hillside areas. Trees within 10 feet of chimneys must be trimmed under Public Resources Code §4291.

Artificial turf is permitted in unincorporated Riverside County and actively encouraged by local water agencies as part of turf-replacement programs. California Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from banning artificial turf as a drought-tolerant option. Installation must meet drainage standards and, in some planned communities, design review.

Rainwater harvesting is legal in California under the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (AB 1750) and encouraged in Riverside County for landscape irrigation. Rooftop collection of up to 5,000 gallons typically does not require a permit. Larger cisterns, pressurized systems, or indoor uses require permits and California Plumbing Code compliance.

Riverside County does not have a blanket heritage-tree ordinance for private property, but oak woodlands and riparian trees in Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) reserves are protected. Tree removal during grading under Ordinance 457 may require biological survey. Desert native plants (Joshua trees, palms) are protected by state law on any project requiring discretionary approval.

Unincorporated Riverside County allows residents to hold occasional garage sales without a permit, generally limited under Ordinance 348 to two or three events per calendar year per residence with each sale lasting up to three consecutive days. Sales must occur on the resident's own property and cannot create parking or traffic hazards.

Riverside County Ordinance 725 declares accumulation of rubbish, junk vehicles, overgrown vegetation, and deteriorated structures a public nuisance. Code Enforcement investigates complaints, issues a notice to abate, and can impose administrative penalties and cost recovery liens against the property if conditions are not corrected within the posted deadline, typically 10 to 30 days.

Unincorporated Riverside County requires residential trash, recycling, and green-waste carts to be stored out of public view except on collection day. Carts may be placed curbside no earlier than 5 p.m. the evening before pickup and must be removed by 10 p.m. on collection day, per Ordinance 773 and the franchised hauler's service agreement.

Owners of vacant parcels in unincorporated Riverside County must maintain the land free of rubbish, abate weeds and combustible vegetation before fire season, and prevent unauthorized dumping. Ordinance 695 governs annual weed abatement and Ordinance 725 governs general property nuisance, with fines and tax liens for non-compliance.

Unincorporated Riverside County has no ordinance requiring property owners to clear snow from sidewalks. Most of the county is low-desert and inland valley where measurable snow is rare; the few mountain communities such as Idyllwild, Pine Cove, and Anza receive occasional snow but the county imposes no mandatory clearance rule on adjacent property owners.

Unincorporated Riverside County does not operate a general long-term rental registration program. Short-term vacation rentals (under 30 days) in wine-country and mountain areas must register under Ordinance 927, collect Transient Occupancy Tax, and meet operational standards, but conventional long-term rentals require only a standard county business license where applicable.

California AB 1482 requires just cause to terminate any tenancy in a covered unit in Riverside County after the tenant has continuously occupied the unit for 12 months (or 24 months if a new adult tenant joined). The law distinguishes at-fault reasons (no relocation fee) from no-fault reasons (requires one month of rent as relocation assistance).

Unincorporated Riverside County has no local rent-control ordinance. California AB 1482, the Tenant Protection Act of 2019, applies statewide and caps annual rent increases on qualifying units at 5 percent plus regional CPI (capped at 10 percent total) for rental units more than 15 years old that are not single-family homes owned by non-corporate landlords.

California AB 12, effective July 2024, caps residential security deposits at one month of rent for most Riverside County landlords. Small landlords owning two or fewer properties may collect up to two months on unfurnished units.

AB 1482 requires one month of relocation assistance for no-fault evictions in Riverside County. Additional relocation may be triggered when a county code enforcement order forces tenants to vacate due to substandard conditions or red-tag actions.

Under AB 1482, Riverside County landlords removing covered tenants for no-fault reasons such as owner move-in, withdrawal from the rental market, or substantial remodel must provide one month of rent as relocation assistance or waive the final month of rent.

The Housing Authority of the County of Riverside administers federal Housing Choice Vouchers across unincorporated areas and most cities. Landlords accepting vouchers sign a HAP contract setting rent at a reasonable level and pass annual housing quality inspections.

California Civil Code section 1946.2 requires landlords of covered Riverside County rentals to include a specific just-cause and rent-cap disclosure in every lease and in a separate notice to existing tenants. Failure to deliver the notice undermines later eviction efforts.

California SB 329 amended FEHA to prohibit Riverside County landlords from refusing to rent to applicants who use Section 8 housing choice vouchers or other government rental assistance. Source-of-income discrimination became unlawful statewide in January 2020.

California Civil Code 1940.2 prohibits Riverside County landlords from using force, threats, fraud, or repeated unreasonable entries to push tenants out. Violations can result in civil penalties up to 2,000 dollars per harassment incident plus actual damages.

Riverside County Ordinance 655 and nuisance code Ordinance 725 jointly prohibit outdoor lighting that shines directly onto neighboring property or into bedroom windows. Any fixture that casts more than 0.5 foot-candles at a residential property line may be cited as both a lighting-code violation and a nuisance.

Riverside County Ordinance 655, the Mount Palomar Light Pollution Ordinance, imposes some of the strictest outdoor-lighting rules in California. Within approximately 45 miles of Palomar Observatory (Zones A and B) all new exterior lighting must be shielded, low-pressure or filtered low-color-temperature sodium, and most decorative lighting must be extinguished after 11 p.m.

Riverside County Ord. 655 protects Mt. Palomar Observatory through one of the strongest dark-sky lighting laws in the United States, restricting outdoor lighting type, intensity, and curfews across western Riverside County.

Film productions in Riverside County must comply with the county Noise Ordinance (No. 847), with permit-based exceptions for filming activities. Generators, dialogue amplification, and special effects require notification to neighbors and may need variances for work outside 7 AM-10 PM.

Filming on public property or roads in unincorporated Riverside County requires a permit from the Riverside County Film Commission (part of the EDA), authorized by Ordinance No. 447. Permits are required for commercial productions, not for personal photography. Fees vary by project type and location.

Street closures for filming in unincorporated Riverside County require coordination with the Transportation Department, the Sheriff's Department (traffic control), and the Film Commission under Ordinance No. 447. Closures require signed traffic control plans, 72+ hour advance notice to affected residents, and certified flagger/deputy staffing.

Riverside County Ordinance No. 348 (Zoning Ordinance) establishes minimum setbacks for all structures in unincorporated areas. Typical R-1 single-family zones require 20-foot front yards, 5-foot interior side yards, 10-foot street side yards, and 10-foot rear yards, though setbacks vary by zone classification (R-R rural, R-A residential-agricultural, etc.).

Riverside County Ordinance No. 348 limits the percentage of a lot that structures can cover. Typical residential coverage maximums range from 35% in R-1 zones to 50% in R-3 multi-family zones. Coverage is calculated from the footprints of all buildings, including accessory structures, but excludes paved surfaces and pools.

Under Ordinance No. 348, most residential zones in unincorporated Riverside County cap principal structures at 35 feet or 2.5 stories. Accessory structures are generally limited to 18 feet. Height is measured from finished grade to the highest point of the roof, with stricter limits near the Mt. Palomar Observatory dark-sky zone.

Riverside County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and regulates development in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas under Ord. 458 (Flood Damage Prevention) and Ord. 460 Art. III. New structures in the 100-year floodplain (Zone A, AE, AH, AO) must have the lowest floor elevated at least 1 foot above the Base Flood Elevation.

Riverside County Ordinance 457 (Grading Ordinance) requires erosion and sediment control on all graded sites year-round, with heightened requirements during the rainy season (October 1 through April 30). Best Management Practices must be in place before any soil disturbance and maintained until permanent stabilization.

Riverside County operates under two NPDES Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits: the Santa Ana River Region permit (R8-2010-0033) and the Whitewater River Region permit (R7-2013-0011), plus the San Diego Region permit in the southwest. All construction over 1 acre requires a state SWPPP, and new development must implement LID BMPs.

Riverside County Ord. 457 (Grading) regulates earth moving and Ord. 458 (Drainage) regulates stormwater conveyance. A grading permit is required for any earth movement exceeding 50 cubic yards on a single lot, any fill over 3 feet deep, or any cut over 5 feet deep. Onsite drainage may not be redirected onto neighboring property.

Riverside County adopted a Climate Action Plan setting countywide targets for greenhouse gas reduction, addressing transportation emissions, building efficiency, and renewable energy across unincorporated areas and partner cities.

Riverside County enforces 100-foot defensible space around structures in State Responsibility Areas and Local Responsibility Areas, with two clearance zones inspected annually by Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire.

California restricts heavy-duty diesel vehicle idling to five minutes statewide, enforced in Riverside County by CHP, sheriff, and South Coast and Mojave Desert air districts, with heightened focus near schools.

Riverside County integrates heat mitigation into General Plan and Coachella Valley specific plans, requiring shade trees, cool roofing, and pedestrian shelter for new commercial and multifamily projects in extreme-heat zones.

California Title 24 Part 6 requires cool roofing on most new and replacement low-slope roofs in Climate Zones 14 and 15, which cover most of Riverside County including the Coachella Valley and desert communities.

Riverside County coordinates with the South Coast and Imperial air districts on Salton Sea dust mitigation, where receding shorelines expose playa generating PM10 and PM2.5 exceeding federal standards in nearby communities.

California Proposition 64 allows adults 21+ to cultivate up to 6 cannabis plants per residence for personal use. Riverside County Ord. 348.4903 restricts personal cultivation in unincorporated areas to indoor locations within a private residence or fully enclosed accessory structure; outdoor personal cultivation is prohibited.

Riverside County bans commercial cannabis activity in most unincorporated areas under Ordinance 348 and 348.4901. The limited exceptions require a Conditional Use Permit under the Cannabis Regulation Framework, state MAUCRSA licensing, and strict buffers from schools, daycares, parks, and residences.

Riverside County Ordinance 348.4801 limits commercial cannabis activities to specific industrial and commercial zones in unincorporated areas, with conditional use permits required and minimum buffer distances enforced.

Riverside County requires cannabis retail and cultivation sites to be set back from schools, daycares, youth centers, and parks, mirroring state minimums but adding county-specific distances in unincorporated areas.

State law allows licensed cannabis delivery into any California jurisdiction, including unincorporated Riverside County, even where the county has not authorized retail storefronts at that location.

Riverside County permits up to six cannabis plants per residence indoors for personal use, mirroring state Proposition 64 minimums while restricting outdoor cultivation in unincorporated areas.

Under SB 946 and Ordinance No. 875, Riverside County cannot designate exclusive vending zones or ban vending from entire commercial districts. Restrictions are limited to specific, objective health and safety criteria — ADA clearance, traffic, and event-based closures.

Vending carts in Riverside County must meet California Retail Food Code standards for food carts and Ordinance No. 875 equipment rules. Carts must fit within a defined footprint, include wastewater containment for food carts, display permits visibly, and comply with sanitation and ADA requirements.

California SB 946 (Safe Sidewalk Vending Act, 2019) restricts Riverside County's ability to prohibit sidewalk vending. The county adopted Ordinance No. 875 implementing SB 946, requiring a sidewalk vending permit, health permit (for food), and compliance with sanitary and zoning rules.

Under California Streets and Highways Code §5610, adjacent property owners are responsible for maintaining and repairing sidewalks fronting their property. Riverside County may order repairs and perform them at owner's expense if ignored; uplifts over 1/2 inch are typically considered tripping hazards.

Ordinance No. 499 prohibits obstructing public sidewalks in unincorporated Riverside County. Merchandise displays, signs, vehicles, and overgrown vegetation must not reduce pedestrian clearance below ADA minimum of 48 inches. Violations are infractions with fines from $100-$500.

Lead-based paint in pre-1978 buildings is regulated by federal EPA RRP Rule and California Title 17 (§35001 et seq.). Contractors must be CDPH Lead-Related Construction certified, and landlords must disclose lead hazards. Riverside County Environmental Health investigates lead poisoning cases.

Elevators, escalators, and platform lifts in Riverside County are regulated by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) Elevator, Ride & Tramway Unit under Title 8 CCR §3000-3139. Annual inspections and state permits are required; violations result in red-tag out-of-service orders.

Scaffold safety on construction sites in Riverside County is regulated by Cal/OSHA under Title 8 CCR §1635-1670 (Construction Safety Orders). Scaffolds over 20 feet require a professional engineer's design, and all users must receive competent-person training.

Structural pest control in Riverside County is regulated by the California Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB) under Business & Professions Code §8500 et seq. Operators must be licensed, pesticides must be registered with CA DPR, and fumigation requires advance notification to neighbors and RCDEH.

Riverside County enforces California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) Title 24 Part 11 alongside the county Climate Action Plan, requiring water efficiency, EV-ready wiring, and recycling at construction sites.

Riverside County licenses childcare centers under California Title 22 plus Ordinance 526 building, fire, and zoning standards, with stricter exit, restroom, and outdoor-play space requirements than ordinary residences.

California Building Code Section 313 requires automatic fire sprinklers in new one and two-family dwellings, enforced in Riverside County under Ordinance 526 with additional wildland-urban interface standards.

Riverside County Ordinance 348 caps residential floor-area ratio, lot coverage, and height in many residential zones to prevent oversized homes that overshadow neighbors, with stricter rules in scenic and hillside overlays.

California Building Code Section 1010 governs door-locking hardware in Riverside County buildings, requiring single-motion egress, panic hardware in assembly uses, and limits on classroom or barricade devices.

California Vehicle Code §22651.5 authorizes towing cars with alarms sounding over 20 minutes. Riverside County Ordinance No. 847 treats continuous car alarms as a noise nuisance, and Sheriff's Department may cite or tow offending vehicles.

Portable and standby generators in unincorporated Riverside County must comply with Ordinance No. 847 noise limits except during declared emergencies or PSPS events. Permanent generators require building permits, and placement must meet 55 dBA day / 45 dBA night at property lines.

Bars and nightclubs in unincorporated Riverside County are subject to Ordinance No. 847 noise limits plus Conditional Use Permit (CUP) noise conditions. Amplified music must not exceed 55 dBA at residential property lines after 10 PM. CA ABC may also impose noise conditions on alcohol licenses.

HVAC equipment in unincorporated Riverside County must comply with Ordinance No. 847 noise limits — typically 55 dBA daytime and 45 dBA nighttime at the nearest residential property line. CA Building Energy Code (Title 24) also regulates placement to minimize noise.

Rental units in Riverside County must meet California Civil Code §1941.1 habitability requirements: weatherproofing, working plumbing, hot and cold water, working heat, safe electrical, clean sanitation, and pest-free. Violations give tenants repair-and-deduct or rent-withholding rights.

Tenants in Riverside County can file habitability complaints with County Code Enforcement, the CA Department of Consumer Affairs, the CA Dept of Housing & Community Development (HCD), and Riverside Superior Court. AB 1482 just-cause eviction protection applies to most rentals built before 2008.

Riverside County does not operate a universal rental inspection program for unincorporated areas; inspections are complaint-driven through Code Enforcement and Environmental Health. Section 8 housing is inspected annually by Housing Authority. CA Health & Safety Code §17920.3 defines substandard housing.

Commercial drone operations in Riverside County require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and compliance with 14 CFR Part 107. The FAA preempts airspace regulation, but the county restricts drone takeoff and landing on county property and requires a film permit from the Inland Empire Film Commission or Regional Park District for commercial shoots on public land.

Recreational drone operation in Riverside County is governed primarily by the FAA's 14 CFR Part 107 and the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations. The county restricts drone takeoff and landing on county-operated parks and open space per Ordinance 658 and prohibits drones in state and national park airspace.

Unincorporated Riverside County generally limits residential garage sales to approximately 3-4 events per calendar year per household, each lasting no more than 2-3 consecutive days. Exceeding these limits may classify the activity as a home business requiring a permit.

Garage sales in unincorporated Riverside County must operate within reasonable daytime hours, typically 7 AM to 7 PM, to comply with Ordinance No. 847 (Noise). Early-morning setup noise and late-evening cleanup are prohibited.

Riverside County does not require a permit for residential garage sales in unincorporated areas, but sales are limited in frequency and duration under county zoning. Commercial-scale sales may trigger home-occupation or business-license review.

Block parties on public streets in unincorporated Riverside County require a Street Closure Permit from the Transportation Department, typically combined with notice to adjacent residents. Non-closure block parties in cul-de-sacs or private HOA streets may only need HOA approval.

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.

Events in Riverside County Regional Parks require a facility-use or special-event permit from the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District. Small gatherings (under 50 people, standard picnic shelter) may require only a reservation; larger events need full permits, insurance, and fees.

HOAs enforce CC&Rs under the Davis-Stirling Act, which requires due-process procedures before fines or discipline (Civ Code §5855). Selective or arbitrary enforcement may be challenged. Members have 5-year statutes to enforce CC&Rs against the association or other owners.

HOAs in Riverside County typically operate Architectural Review Committees (ARCs) under Davis-Stirling Act §4765. Owners must submit plans for exterior changes, and the ARC must respond in writing within a reasonable time with reasoning. Solar, EV charging, and low-water landscaping have state-mandated approval protections.

HOA assessments in Riverside County follow Davis-Stirling rules (Civ Code §5600-5740). Regular assessments may increase up to 20% per year without a vote; special assessments above 5% of budgeted expenses require a vote. Delinquent assessments accrue interest and late fees, with lien and foreclosure rights.

Davis-Stirling requires HOAs to offer Internal Dispute Resolution (IDR) under Civ Code §5910 and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) under §5930 before litigating most disputes. Small-claims court and the CA DRE complaint process are also available.

HOAs in unincorporated Riverside County operate under the California Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act (Civil Code §4000 et seq.). The Act requires open board meetings, 4-day posted agendas, executive-session limits, and annual member meetings with 30-day notice.

California SB 1383 requires every Riverside County household and business to separate organic waste (food scraps and yard trimmings) into a green cart for collection, in addition to blue-cart recyclables, since 2022. The county enforces mandatory three-cart service through its franchised haulers under Ordinance 773.

Carts in unincorporated Riverside County must be placed at the curb with wheels against the curb, lids opening toward the street, with at least three feet of clear space between carts and from obstructions such as vehicles, mailboxes, fire hydrants, and low-hanging tree branches. Improperly placed carts may be skipped without refund.

Unincorporated Riverside County residents receive curbside trash, recycling, and organics collection once per week from a county-franchised hauler under Ordinance 773. Carts must be placed curbside by 6 a.m. on collection day or no earlier than 5 p.m. the previous evening, and carts must be removed from the curb by 10 p.m. the same day.

Unincorporated Riverside County residents receive two or three free bulky-item pickups per year from their franchised hauler under Ordinance 773. Larger quantities, construction debris, and hazardous items must be hauled to a county landfill or Household Hazardous Waste collection event.

Ordinance 348 limits mobile food vending in unincorporated Riverside County to commercial and industrial zones, private property with owner consent, and permitted special events. On-street vending in residential areas is prohibited except for ice-cream vendors operating under specific speed and stop rules, and state highway shoulders are off-limits.

Mobile food facilities operating in unincorporated Riverside County must obtain an annual health permit from the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health, pass initial and periodic inspections, operate from a permitted commissary, and comply with California Retail Food Code (CalCode). Additional zoning and vending-location rules apply under county Ordinance 580 and Ordinance 348.

Garage sale signs in unincorporated Riverside County are allowed on private property with owner permission but are prohibited in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, traffic signs, and medians. Signs must be removed immediately after the sale; code enforcement removes and discards off-site signs without notice.

Unincorporated Riverside County permits temporary political signs on private property without a permit, consistent with the First Amendment and California Elections Code. Signs may be posted up to 90 days before an election and must be removed within 10 days after, and the aggregate size on a single residential parcel is generally capped at 32 square feet per Riverside County Ordinance 348.

Residential holiday lighting and seasonal decorations are allowed in unincorporated Riverside County without a permit. Displays must comply with Ordinance 655 Mount Palomar Light Pollution rules in the western portion of the county and must not obstruct the public right-of-way or create traffic hazards. Displays should be removed within a reasonable time after the holiday.

Riverside County does not maintain a formal heritage tree registry, but Ordinance No. 559 and the Western Riverside MSHCP effectively protect mature native oaks, sycamores, and desert natives (Joshua trees, Palo Verde). Trees on historic properties may have additional CEQA-level protection.

Riverside County's tree regulations include Ordinance No. 559 (oak preservation), Ordinance No. 457 (tree-trimming in public rights-of-way), and the Western Riverside MSHCP. State laws also apply: CA Desert Native Plants Act, Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act, and PRC §4291 (defensible space).

Riverside County Ordinance No. 559 (Oak Tree Preservation) requires permits to remove native oak trees with a trunk diameter of 6 inches or more at 4.5 feet above grade. Western sycamores and certain other natives are also protected in Western Riverside MSHCP areas. Permits are processed through the Planning Department.

When oak trees are removed under Ordinance No. 559, replacement is required at ratios ranging from 3:1 to 10:1 depending on the size of the removed tree. Replacement trees must be native species, typically 15-gallon minimum, with a 3-5 year establishment monitoring period.

Riverside County does not have a specific ordinance banning or restricting bamboo planting. However, running bamboo species that spread onto neighboring properties can create civil liability and may be addressed as a nuisance under Riverside County Ordinance No. 725. California law (Civil Code §3479) treats encroaching vegetation as a private nuisance.

Riverside County's landscaping guidelines (Ordinance No. 859) include a list of prohibited invasive ornamental plants. Additionally, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and Cal-IPC maintain statewide lists of noxious weeds and invasive plants that apply throughout the county.

California law (AB 2561, effective 2015) prohibits HOAs and local governments from banning drought-tolerant landscaping and edible gardens in front yards. Riverside County's landscaping ordinance (No. 859) encourages California-friendly, water-efficient plantings. Front yard vegetable gardens are generally allowed in unincorporated areas.

Unincorporated Riverside County requires a building and electrical permit for rooftop and ground-mount solar photovoltaic systems through the Riverside County Building & Safety Department. California's Solar Rights Act (Civil Code section 714) and AB 2188 limit the county to expedited, ministerial review of residential systems ten kilowatts or smaller with no discretionary conditions that materially reduce system efficiency.

Homeowner associations in Riverside County cannot prohibit rooftop solar. Under the California Solar Rights Act (Civil Code section 714), any HOA covenant or architectural rule that significantly restricts solar installation or raises cost by more than 1,000 dollars or reduces efficiency by more than 10 percent is void and unenforceable.

Riverside County Regional Park & Open Space District parks close from sunset to sunrise under district Ordinance 658 unless specifically posted otherwise. Being in a closed park without authorization is an infraction and may result in ejection, citation, or trespass arrest under Penal Code 602.

Door-to-door commercial solicitors in unincorporated Riverside County must obtain a Peddler/Solicitor Permit from the Sheriff's Department under Ordinance 534. Permits require a live-scan background check, identification card while soliciting, and adherence to hours (generally 9 a.m. to dusk or 7 p.m., whichever is earlier).

Residents of unincorporated Riverside County may post a No Solicitation sign at their front door or property entrance to legally bar commercial solicitors under Ordinance 534. California Penal Code 602 and Civil Code 1940.2 further support trespass and harassment enforcement when solicitors ignore posted notices.

California is a strict two-party (all-party) consent state under Penal Code §632. Recording any confidential conversation — in person, by phone, or electronically — without the consent of all parties is a criminal offense. This applies to audio recordings by security cameras, phone calls, and any electronic eavesdropping.

In unincorporated Riverside County, fences up to 7 feet tall do not require a building permit. Privacy fences in front yards may be subject to height restrictions and Planning Division review. Side and rear yard privacy fences up to 6 feet are standard; taller fences may require a permit or variance.

Security cameras are legal on private property in unincorporated Riverside County, but California is a two-party consent state for audio recording (Penal Code §632). Video-only surveillance of areas visible to the public is permitted. Cameras must not record areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as neighboring bedrooms or bathrooms.

Riverside County regulates sitting, lying, and camping on county roads, sidewalks, parks, and flood-control channels. Enforcement is paired with referrals to the Continuum of Care and Path of Life Ministries shelters before citations or arrests.

Riverside County follows a written encampment cleanup protocol that requires advance notice, individual outreach, and storage of unattended personal property for at least ninety days before disposal. Hazardous waste and abandoned items can be removed immediately.

Riverside County's Continuum of Care funds bridge and interim housing through providers like Path of Life Ministries, Lighthouse Social Service Centers, and Step Up. State zoning law SB 9 and SB 10 plus AB 2339 require expedited siting of these facilities in residential and mixed-use zones.

Riverside County Department of Environmental Health inspects food facilities and posts color-coded placards (green pass, yellow conditional, red closure) at the entrance after every routine and follow-up inspection.

Riverside County treats rodent infestations as a public nuisance under Ordinance 541 and the Health and Safety Code, requiring property owners to abate harborage, secure trash, and cooperate with vector control inspections.

California Civil Code 1954.603 requires landlords to provide bed bug disclosures to tenants, and Riverside County Environmental Health responds to complaints involving habitability and licensed pest control treatments.

California requires food handlers to obtain an accredited Food Handler Card within 30 days of hire, and food facilities in Riverside County must keep records on-site available to county inspectors.

California prohibits disposing home-generated sharps in regular trash or recycling, requiring use of approved sharps containers; Riverside County operates household hazardous waste sites and pharmacy take-back programs.

California Senate Bill 270, ratified by Proposition 67, bans single-use carryout plastic bags at grocery stores and large retailers statewide, including Riverside County, and requires a minimum charge for paper or reusable bags.

California Assembly Bill 1276 requires food facilities, including those in Riverside County, to provide single-use foodware accessories and condiments only on customer request or at self-serve stations.

Under California Assembly Bill 1884, dine-in restaurants in Riverside County may not automatically provide single-use plastic straws; customers must request one. Fast-food and takeout are exempt.

California Senate Bill 54 phases out expanded polystyrene foodware statewide by 2025 unless 25 percent recycling targets are met, applying to food facilities in Riverside County.

California Senate Bill 793, upheld by Proposition 31 in 2022, bans the sale of flavored tobacco products statewide, including in Riverside County retailers, with limited exemptions for certain hookah and premium cigars.

California Senate Bill 7 raised the minimum sales age for tobacco and vape products to 21, ahead of federal Tobacco 21, and Riverside County retailers must verify identification and post age signage.

Riverside County retail water agencies set day-of-week irrigation schedules under California state framework SB 606 and AB 1668, with Coachella Valley Water District and Western Municipal Water District enforcing local rules.

Riverside County water agencies offer cash rebates to remove turf grass and install drought-tolerant landscaping, with the Coachella Valley Water District program among the most generous in California.

Riverside County agencies expand recycled-water use for golf courses, parks, and agriculture, particularly through the Coachella Valley Water District tertiary-treated supply that helps offset Salton Sea inflows.

Riverside County water agencies require timely repair of leaks on customer-side plumbing, and SB 555 obligates retailers to report water-loss audits and pursue lost-and-unaccounted-for water reduction targets.

Riverside County uses specific plans under California Government Code 65450 to guide large communities like Wine Country, Highway 79, North Shore, and the Vista Santa Rosa area, layering tailored zoning over Ord. 348.

Riverside County implements California Government Code 65915 density bonus law, granting up to 50 percent additional units, parking reductions, and incentives for projects providing affordable, senior, or special-needs housing.

Riverside County Ord. 348 hillside-development standards limit grading, building height, and lot coverage on slopes above 10 percent, addressing wildfire risk, erosion, and viewshed protection in mountain communities.

Riverside Transit Agency and county active-transportation plans expand bike lanes, multi-use trails, and Class IV protected lanes, with state laws requiring bicyclists to follow the same rules as drivers on county roadways.

Riverside County Ordinance 920 imposes a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax on hotel, motel, and short-term rental stays under 30 days in unincorporated areas, including Wine Country and Idyllwild lodging operators.

California Labor Code section 246 requires employers to provide 40 hours or five days of paid sick leave annually after 30 days of employment. Riverside County follows the statewide standard with no additional county sick-leave ordinance.

California sets a statewide minimum wage of $16.50 per hour effective 2026 under Labor Code section 1182.12. Riverside County does not set a separate county-wide wage floor for unincorporated areas above the state rate.

Unincorporated Riverside County requires massage establishments to obtain a county regulatory permit. Individual therapists must hold a current California Massage Therapy Council certification under Business and Professions Code section 4600.

Riverside County Ordinance 671 regulates adult-oriented businesses in unincorporated areas, requiring a regulatory permit, strict zoning buffers from residences, schools, parks, and churches, and operator background checks by the Sheriff's Department.

Riverside County Ordinance 348 zoning prohibits commercial auto repair as a home business. Residents may perform incidental repairs on personal vehicles, but operating a paid auto-repair business from a residential property is not allowed.

California Business and Professions Code section 22972 requires all tobacco retailers to obtain a state license from the CDTFA. Riverside County may also require a separate retail business permit for unincorporated-area locations.

California Business and Professions Code section 21641 requires secondhand dealers and pawnbrokers to register with the local police agency and report transactions to the state. Riverside County Sheriff handles permit processing for unincorporated-area dealers.

California Business and Professions Code section 25620 prohibits possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in public places. Riverside County Ordinance 539 supplements the state rule for county parks, beaches, and unincorporated public areas.

Riverside County Ordinance 847 allows the Sheriff to declare a gathering an unruly disturbance and bill responsible parties for response costs. Repeat unruly events on the same property within 12 months trigger escalating cost-recovery fees.

California Health and Safety Code section 11362.3 prohibits smoking or consuming cannabis in public places. Riverside County applies the rule across unincorporated parks, sidewalks, and any location where tobacco smoking is also banned.

California Government Code section 7597 bans smoking in state parks and beaches. Riverside County Ordinance 539 prohibits smoking in regional parks and open spaces, and Labor Code section 6404.5 limits workplace and enclosed-space smoking statewide.

California Penal Code section 647(c) prohibits accosting people for money in public. Riverside County supplements the state rule with Ordinance 743 restrictions near ATMs, parking facilities, and freeway ramps in unincorporated areas.

California Senate Bill 54, the California Values Act, restricts state and local law enforcement from using resources to investigate, detain, or arrest persons for federal immigration purposes. The law applies to Riverside County Sheriff and county jails.

Labor Code section 2814 prohibits California state and local governments from requiring private employers to use the federal E-Verify system except where federal law mandates it. Riverside County cannot impose a county-wide E-Verify requirement on contractors.

In unincorporated Riverside County, one-story detached storage sheds of 120 square feet or less do not require a building permit, provided they have no plumbing or electrical. Sheds over 120 sq ft require a building permit and must comply with setback requirements under Ordinance No. 348.

Fences up to 7 feet in height are exempt from building permits in unincorporated Riverside County. However, fences in front yard setback areas may require Planning Division approval. Fences over 7 feet require a building permit. Retaining walls over 4 feet also need permits.

Decks not exceeding 200 square feet and not more than 30 inches above grade are exempt from building permits in Riverside County. Larger or elevated decks require a building permit. Patio covers can often be obtained as same-day, over-the-counter permits.

Most renovation work in unincorporated Riverside County requires a building permit. Cosmetic work like painting, flooring, and cabinet replacement is exempt. Any work involving structural changes, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems requires permits. Roof repairs over 25% of the total area require a permit.

The Riverside County Code Enforcement Department handles complaints in unincorporated areas. Reports can be filed by phone at (951) 955-2004 or (760) 393-3344, by email at celogin@rivco.org, or online through the department's website. A 24-hour call center operates 7 days a week including holidays.

Riverside County Code Enforcement prioritizes complaints based on health and safety risk. Priority 1 cases involving imminent hazards are targeted for investigation within 24 hours. Standard complaints are investigated within 30 days depending on caseload and severity.

The most frequently reported code violations in unincorporated Riverside County include unpermitted construction, overgrown or unmaintained properties, junk vehicles, illegal dumping, substandard housing, and zoning violations such as illegal home businesses or unpermitted short-term rentals.