§ 19.550

This chapter sets forth standards for the construction and maintenance of fences, walls, and landscape materials to ensure that such features are aesthetically pleasing and can provide for privacy and safety without obstructing views and without creating a public safety hazard or nuisance.

(Ord. 7331 §88, 2016; Ord. 6966 §1, 2007)

Fences or walls containing razor wire (visible to a public right-of-way, alley or parking lot), or barbed wire shall be prohibited.

(Ord. No. 7701, § 30, 2025; Ord. 7652 § 9, 2023; Ord. 7331 §88, 2016; Ord. 6966 §1, 2007)

19.550.025 - Monitored electrified security fence system.

The construction and use of a monitored electrified security fence Systems shall be allowed as provided in this section, subject to the following requirements: A.

Unless otherwise specified herein, monitored electrified security fence systems shall be constructed and operated in conformance with the specifications set forth in International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard No. 60335-2-76 current edition.

B.

The energizer for monitored electrified security fence systems must be driven by a commercial storage battery, not to exceed 12 volts DC, that is charged primarily by a solar panel.

C.

Monitored electrified security fence systems shall be installed four to eight inches behind a minimum five-foot-high non-electrified perimeter fence/wall.

D.

Monitored electrified security fence systems shall have a maximum height of ten feet.

E.

Monitored electrified security fence systems adjacent to a residential zone or use shall be located behind a minimum six-foot tall block wall.

F.

Monitored electrified security fence systems shall be clearly identified with warning signs that read: "Warning-Electric Fence" at intervals of not more than 30 linear feet.

G.

Permitted Locations.

1.

Monitored electrified security fence systems are prohibited in all residential, mixed-use, and public facilities zoning districts.

2.

Monitored electrified security fence systems shall be permitted in industrial zones as identified in Table 19.150.020.B Incidental Use Table.

Monitored electrified security fence systems shall be permitted in commercial and other zones (except in PF - Public Facilities zone) as identified in Table 19.150.020.B Incidental Use Table for specific uses in 19.150.020.A Permitted Uses Table, including the following:

• Ambulance company - with vehicle storage

• Cemeteries, mortuaries and ancillary uses

• Crematoriums

• Commercial storage facilities (mini-warehouse)

• Equipment sales and rental

• Heliport or helistop

• Laundry commercial

• Outdoor storage yard

• Parking lot or parking structure

• Golf courses and driving ranges

• Vehicle parts and accessories

• Outdoor storage

• Vehicle rental

• Wireless telecommunication facilities

Uses not permitted by the current zoning designation are ineligible for a monitored electric security fence unless the Community & Economic Development Department Director, or his/her designee, pursuant to Chapter 19.060 (Interpretation of Code), determines that the use is similar and no more detrimental than a listed use.

Installation of electrified security fence systems are prohibited in properties adjacent to a park.

H.

Required permitting.

All monitored electrified security fence systems shall require an alarm user's permit pursuant to Chapter 5.58.

All monitored electrified security fence systems that abut a residential property or are located within 300 feet of an existing public park, childcare facility, recreation center, community center, or school facility shall require a building permit and minor conditional use permit.

I.

Compliance with Development Standards. The associated outdoor storage area shall comply with all applicable site location, development and operational standards required by this Title, including, but not limited to, screening, fences and walls, landscaping, lighting, paving, and any discretionary permit requirement.

J.

It shall be unlawful for any person to install, maintain or operate a monitored electrified security fence system in violation of this section.

(Ord. No. 7701, § 31, 2025; Ord. 7660, § 13, 2024; Ord. 7617 § 2(Exh. B), 2022)

19.550.030 - Height and location provisions.

Fences, walls, and hedges shall be allowed in conformance with the following provisions:

A.

Front yards.

1.

In the RA-5, RC, RR and RE Zones, any fence or wall in the required front yard setback may be up to six feet in height, provided that the openwork portion of the fence or wall above a height of three feet shall be no more than one part solid to three parts open with no portion of the solid wall, excluding pilasters, extending above three feet.

2.

In all other zones, front yard fences or walls shall not exceed four feet in height provided that the openwork portion of the fence or wall above a height of three feet shall be no more than one part solid to three parts open with no portion of the solid wall, excluding pilasters, extending above three feet.

3.

The height of fences or walls in front yard areas shall be measured inclusive of retaining wall portion. Retaining walls exposed to public view shall not exceed three feet in height.

B.

Side and rear yards.

Height.

a.

Fences and walls separating side and rear yards in the Single-Family Residential Zones may extend up to seven feet in height provided the fence or wall is not visible from the public right-of-way.

b.

Where a property in a Single-Family Residential Zone abuts a property in any other Zone, fences and walls separating side and rear yards may extend up to eight feet in height provided the fence or wall is not visible from the public right-of-way.

c.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, fences and walls separating side and rear yards in all other Zones shall not exceed six feet in height.

d.

Higher fences or walls in commercial or industrial zones may be required by other provisions of the Zoning Code.

2.

In side and rear yard areas, combined freestanding and retaining walls and fences shall not exceed ten feet in height provided the retaining portion does not exceed three feet if exposed to public view or six feet if not exposed to public view.

3.

The fencing around tennis courts along rear and interior side yards shall not exceed 12 feet in height and must be partially open above six feet in height subject to approval of the Community & Economic Development Director or his/her designee.

C.

All yards.

Free standing walls outside of any required setback area shall not exceed six feet in height, except as provided in subsection D below.

2.

All height restrictions applying to fences and walls shall apply equally to hedges planted within required yards forming a barrier serving the same visual purpose as a fence or wall.

3.

Notwithstanding A and B above, any minimum required height of walls established by the Zoning Code for screening or safety purposes shall be measured from the highest grade, not including retaining wall portion.

D.

Exceptions.

1.

Alternative decorative screening constructed of a material other than solid decorative masonry may be permitted where not visible from the public right-of-way subject to the approval of the Community & Economic Development Director or his/her designee.

Required walls for sound attenuation.

a.

Walls shall be permitted as a height sufficient to adequately attenuate sound in compliance with Title 7 (Noise) as specified by an acoustical analysis prepared by a qualified acoustical engineer or equivalent professional.

b.

No variance or other discretionary approvals shall be required.

3.

Walls adjacent to railroads, freeways, and flood control channels may extend up to eight feet in height.

4.

Fences or walls around a public utility building or structure may exceed the provisions of this section as needed for security or public safety, subject to approval of the Community & Economic Development Director or his/her designee.

5.

Outdoor storage yards and incidental outdoor storage shall be subject to the location and design regulations of Chapter 19.285 (Outdoor Storage Yard) and Chapter 10.510 (Outdoor Storage - Incidental).

(Ord. No. 7701, § 32(Exh. C), 2025; Ord. 7652 § 10, 2023; Ord. 7541, § 11, 2020; Ord. 7331 §88, 2016; Ord. 6966 §1, 2007)

19.550.040 - Fences, walls and hedges not in compliance.

Any fence, wall or hedge that does not comply with this chapter is not permitted.

(Ord. No. 7701, § 33, 2025; Ord. 7331 §88, 2016; Ord. 6966 §1, 2007)

19.550.050 - Sight clearance requirements.

To safeguard against vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian collisions caused by visual obstructions at street and/or alley intersections, a clear cross-visibility area shall be maintained at the intersection of the public rights-of-way, unobstructed by any fence or wall taller than three feet above the street grade. At any corner formed by the intersection of two streets and/or alleys, the required clear cross-visibility area shall be a triangle with two street sides 15 feet long extending along the curb line of each street and/or alley.

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19.550.050

Clear Visibility Triangle

(Ord. 7331 §88, 2016; Ord. 7235 §10, 2013; Ord. 6966 §1, 2007)

For any new construction of a single-family residence, any wall along a street rear yard, street side yard or front yard between the house and the side yard shall be constructed of decorative masonry or a similar material subject to the approval of the Community & Economic Development Director or his/her designee. This provision does not apply to interior rear or interior side yard fences and walls.

(Ord. 7541, § 12, 2020; Ord. 7331 §88, 2016; Ord. 6966 §1, 2007)

Fences, walls, and landscape materials for cultural resources shall be designed to comply with Title 20 (Cultural Resources) of the Riverside Municipal Code, the Cultural Heritage Board's Design Guidelines, and district-specific guidelines.

(Ord. 7331 §88, 2016; Ord. 7109 §10, 2010)

Chapter 19.554 - TRASH/RECYCLABLE MATERIALS COLLECTION AREA ENCLOSURES