§ 19.580

A.

No building permit shall be issued for any building or structure or use requiring off-street parking until plans and specifications clearly indicating the proposed development, including location, size, shape, design, curb cuts, lighting, landscaping and other features and appurtenances of the proposed parking area are approved by the Planning Division and the Public Works Department. A plot plan is required to be submitted with any permit application that involves the provision of new parking spaces or the redesign of existing parking facilities. The plot plan shall contain sufficient information and be at a scale as required by the Planning Division.

B.

No building shall be occupied and no final inspection shall be given by the Planning Division until off-street parking is provided in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. 7331 § 94, 2016; Ord. 6966 § 1, 2007)

19.580.050 - Basic limitations for off-street parking.

A.

Except as otherwise permitted herein, all required off-street parking spaces shall be independently accessible from a street at all times.

B.

On-street-parking within public streets shall not be used to satisfy the off-street parking requirements.

C.

Parking a vehicle on any portion of a lot, other than areas permitted by Section 19.580.070 (Off Street Parking Location and type Requirements), is prohibited.

D.

Parking spaces shall not preclude direct and free access to stairways, walkways, elevators, any pedestrian route or fire safety equipment. Such access shall be a clear minimum width required by State law, no part of which shall be within a parking space.

E.

Except as otherwise permitted herein, parking facilities shall be used for vehicle parking only. No sales, storage, repair work, dismantling, or servicing of any kind shall be permitted without necessary permits for such use.

F.

Living or sleeping in any vehicle, trailer, or vessel is prohibited when parked or stored on private property.

G.

Any vehicle, trailer, or vessel, including a recreational vehicle, that is inoperable and/or without current registration shall be stored entirely within an enclosed structure and shall not be parked or stored in any yard on residential property, except as may be provided by State law. Boats and other non-motorized vehicles, such as trailers, shall be movable by a towing vehicle customarily used for the type of vehicle being towed.

H.

Except as may be otherwise provided by this title, landscape front and street side yard setbacks shall not be used for off-street parking spaces, turning or maneuvering aisles. However, entrance and exit drives to access off-street spaces are permitted.

I.

Temporary outdoor flex spaces.

The number of required parking spaces for all existing uses on the same parcel shall be reduced by the amount necessary to accommodate an outdoor expansion of a business to mitigate COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on indoor dining.

2.

The provisions of this subsection shall only apply to approved and permitted temporary outdoor flex spaces pursuant to the City's Temporary Outdoor Flex-Space Permit Program.

3.

This subsection implements California Government Code § 65907.

4.

Unless extended by the State legislature, the provisions of this subsection shall remain in effect until January 1, 2024, after which it shall be considered repealed and parking spaces shall be restored for vehicular access and use.

(Ord. 7592 § 8(Exh. I), 2022; Ord. 7573 § 1(Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 7331 § 94, 2016; Ord. 6966 §1, 2007)

19.580.060 - Parking requirements.

A.

Minimum parking requirements.

1.

The number of off-street parking spaces required by Table 19.580.060 (Required Spaces) shall be considered the minimum necessary for each use, unless offstreet parking reductions are permitted pursuant to provisions herein.

2.

Pursuant to Government Code Section 65863.2, qualifying projects may be exempt from minimum parking requirements.

3.

In conjunction with a conditional use, site plan review or planned residential development permit, the designated approving or appeal authority may increase these parking requirements if it is determined that they are inadequate for a specific project.

B.

Uses not listed. The number of parking spaces required for uses not specifically listed in Table 19.580.060 (Required Spaces) shall be determined by the Community & Economic Development Director or his/her designee based on common functional, product or compatibility characteristics and activities.

C.

Mixed-use development and parking credits.

1.

In the case of shared parking facilities serving a mixed-use development, the development shall provide the sum of parking spaces required for each separate use.

2.

The Community & Economic Development Director or his/her designee may grant a mixed-use parking credit to reduce the total number of required spaces by up to 15 percent, provided the following:

a.

The development is located within a Transit Priority Area as defined by Senate Bill 743 (Public Resources Code § 21099); or

b.

A shared parking analysis specifying the proposed mix of uses and the operating characteristics of each use type, including hours of operation, typical capacity and parking demand generation rates, is provided demonstrating adequate justification for granting the credit.

D.

Incentives for additional measures to reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT).

1.

Developments that satisfy the project-level VMT assessment requirements established by the Public Works Department are encouraged to implement additional VMT reduction measures including, but not limited to:

a.

Permanent on-site private or public shared mobility facilities;

b.

Unbundled residential parking (on-site parking spaces are leased or sold separately from dwelling units);

c.

Bicycle parking facilities and amenities (lockers, showers, repair facilities or similar) in excess of the minimum requirements of the California Building Standards Code;

d.

Off-site pedestrian, bicycle or transit improvements; or

e.

Alternative VMT reduction measures, subject to the approval of the Public Works Director or his/her designee.

2.

Developments that voluntarily provide one or more of the VMT reduction measures listed above shall be eligible for a reduction in the total number of required onsite parking spaces of up to ten percent.

3.

For mixed-use development receiving a mixed-use parking credit pursuant to 19.580.060 C. above, the VMT reduction measure incentive and mixed-use parking credit may be combined for a maximum reduction of required on-site parking spaces not to exceed 20 percent.

E.

Required spaces. Table 19.580.060 (Required Spaces) below sets forth minimum off-street parking requirements for number of spaces. Except as otherwise specifically stated, the following rules apply to this table.

1.

"Square feet" (sq. ft.) means "gross square feet" and refers to total building gross floor area unless otherwise specified, not including areas used for off-street parking or loading spaces.

2.

Where parking spaces are required based on a per-employee ratio, this shall mean the total number of employees on the largest working shift.

3.

Where the number of seats is listed to determine required parking, seats shall be construed to be fixed seats. Where fixed seats provided are either benches or bleachers, each 24 linear inches of the bench or bleacher shall be considered a seat.

4.

When the calculation of the required number of off-street parking spaces results in a fraction of a space, the total number of spaces shall be rounded to the nearest whole number.

5.

In addition to the requirements in Table 19.580.060 (Required Spaces), spaces shall be provided for trucks and other vehicles used in the business, of a number and size adequate to accommodate the maximum number of types of trucks and/or vehicles to be parked on the site at any one time.

6.

Where maximum distance is specified from the lot, the distance shall be the walking distance measured from the nearest point of the parking facility to the nearest point of the building or area that such facility is required to serve.

7.

Unless otherwise stated, the required parking shall be located on the same lot or within the same complex as the use.

8.

Unless specifically listed in Table 19.580.060 (Required Spaces) below or required by other provisions of this Title, no additional parking spaces shall be required for a use listed as an incidental type of use in Table 19.150.020 A. (Permitted Uses Table) or in Table 19.150.020 B. (Incidental Uses Table).

F.

Cultural resources parking exemption. Any new uses within the confines of an existing structure in a nonresidential zone, designated as a historic resource or a contributor to a historic district, as defined in Title 20 of the Riverside Municipal Code, are exempt from providing any additional parking. If an existing structure is expanded, additional parking will be required to accommodate the expansion, as set forth in Table 19.580.060.

Table 19.580.060

Required Spaces

Table 19.580.060

Notes:

1. See Section 19.580.070 B (Multiple Family Dwellings) for additional requirements. For the purpose of calculating parking requirements for multiple family dwellings, dens, studies, or other similar rooms that may be used as bedrooms shall be considered bedrooms.

2. For senior housing projects, 50 percent of the required spaces shall be covered either in a garage or carport.

3. For the purposes of parking requirements, this category includes corporation yards, machine shops, tin shops, welding shops, manufacturing, processing, packaging, treatment, fabrication, woodworking shops, cabinet shops, and carpenter shops and uses with similar circulation and parking characteristics.

4. Required parking spaces may be in tandem.

5. Parking ratio to be determined by the designated Approving or Appeal Authority in conjunction with required land use or development permits, based on the impacts of the particular proposal and similar uses in this table.

6. Excluding lath and green houses.

7. Includes barber shops, beauty salons/spas, massage, tanning, tailors, dry cleaning, self-service laundry, travel agencies, electrolysis, acupuncture/acupressure, and tattoo parlors.

8. For the purposes of parking requirements, this category includes antique shops, gun shops, pawn shops, pet stores, and second-hand stores.

9. Additional parking for assembly rooms or stadiums is not required.

10. Parking may be provided on the same lot or within 300 feet of the subject site.

11. The pump islands are not counted as parking stalls.

12. A reduction in the number of required parking spaces may be permitted subject to a parking study and a shared parking arrangement.

13. Where strict adherence to any parking standards would significantly compromise the historic integrity of a property, the Community & Economic Development Director, or his/her designee, may consider variances that would help mitigate such negative impacts, including consideration of tandem parking, allowances for on-street parking, alternatives to planter curbing, wheel stops, painted striping, and asphalt or concrete surfacing materials.

14. Parking shall be provided in accordance with Section 19.545.060 (Parking Standards Incentive). A parking analysis may be provided to justify modifications from those standards. The parking analysis shall identify the parking needs to address the operating hours and characteristics of the operations to provide for adequate parking at all times.

15. Refer to Section 19.580.060 E for new uses within a designated cultural resource as defined in Chapter 20 of the Riverside Municipal Code.

16. As defined in Article X - Definitions.

17. Campus shall have the same meaning as "School, professional institution of higher education" as defined in Article X - Definitions.

(Ord. 7683, § 10(Exh. G), 2024; Ord. 7652 § 11, 2023; Ord. 7609 §§ 5, 6(Exh. C), 2022; Ord. 7592 § 8(Exh. I), 2022; Ord. 7573 § 1(Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 7528 § 1(Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 7520 § 1(Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 7519 §§ 1, 2(Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 7505 § 1(Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 7487 § 15(Exh. E), 11-5-2019; Ord. 7457 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 7408 § 1, 2018; Ord. 7331 § 94, 2016; Ord. 7235 § 11, 2013; Ord. 7109 § 11, 2010; Ord. 6966 § 1, 2007)

19.580.070 - Off-street parking location and type requirements.

A.

Single family dwellings.

1.

Required number and type of spaces. See Table 19.580.060 (Required Spaces) Dwelling-Single Family.

a.

Tandem parking: May be provided to satisfy the minimum parking requirement on lots less than 3,499 square feet in area.

2.

Parking location in the front and side yard areas.

a.

Parking and maneuvering in front yard areas of single-family residential zones for all vehicles, except recreational vehicles exceeding 10,000 pounds gross vehicular weight, shall be limited to the space within a carport or garage plus a paved driveway between such garage or carport and the street from which it is served, not exceeding the width of the garage.

b.

In addition, front and side yard areas may also be paved for the parking and maneuvering of vehicles as set forth in Section 19.580.070.A.3 below.

Permitted driveway locations.

a.

House with attached or detached garage or carport: The space between the driveway serving the garage or carport and the nearest side property line, with such paving permitted to extend as far as the rear of the residential structure, such space not to exceed 20 feet in width beyond the driveway serving the garage or carport. (See Figure 19.580.070 A.3.a - House with Attached Garage)

House with Attached Garage

==> picture [121 x 157] intentionally omitted <==

19.580.070 A.3.a. House with Attached Garage

==> picture [121 x 152] intentionally omitted <==

b.

House with detached garage or carport, served by adjacent street: The space between the driveway and the nearest side property line, extending as far as the rear of the garage or carport, such space not to exceed 20 feet in width beyond the driveway serving the garage or carport. (See Figure 19.580.070 A.3.b - House with Detached Garage)

House with Detached Garage

==> picture [120 x 162] intentionally omitted <==

c.

House with detached garage or carport served from an alley: A space, not exceeding 20 feet in width, adjacent to a side property line. Such paved space may extend no further than the space between the street and the rear of the house. Installation of such a driveway is subject to approval of a driveway curb cut by the Public Works Department. (See Figure 19.580.070 A.3.c - House with Detached Garage Served by Alley)

House with Detached Garage Served by Alley

==> picture [120 x 171] intentionally omitted <==

d.

Circular drives: A house with one street frontage and at least 80 feet of width, or any house with two street frontages may be served by a circular drive. In addition, the space between the circular drive and the nearest interior side property line may be paved, provided this additional paving does not exceed 20 feet in width beyond the point from the nearest point of the circular driveway and the interior side property line, nor extend further than the distance between the street and the rear of the residence. No circular drive will be approved without the approval of the Public Works Director for two driveway openings. (See Figure 19.580.070 A.3.d - House with Circular Drive)

19.580.070 A.3.d. House with Circular Drive

==> picture [121 x 136] intentionally omitted <==

e.

Special requirements for driveway extensions in street side yard areas: Where the area proposed for driveway expansion is a street side yard, the portion of the driveway behind the front setback must be screened from the adjoining street by a six-foot-high solid fence or wall.

f.

Arterial streets: No residential drives shall be permitted on arterial streets as shown on the General Plan Circulation and Transportation Element except where no other access to the property exists.

g.

Second driveways:

(1)

Are allowed in the RA-5 and RC Zones.

(2)

In other Single-Family Residential Zones, a second driveway may be added if the property has 80 feet or more of street frontage or has frontage on two streets, subject to approval by the Planning Division and Public Works Department.

(3)

A circular driveway is not considered a second driveway.

4.

Recreational vehicle parking in residential zones.

a.

Recreational vehicles 10,000 pounds gross vehicular weight or less. Permitted parking and maneuvering areas shall be the same as those specified in 19.580.070.A.3.

b.

Recreational vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross vehicular weight. Permitted parking and maneuvering areas shall be the same as those specified in Section 19.580.070.A.3 provided that:

(1)

The vehicle at no time creates a sight obstruction that poses a safety hazard pursuant to Chapter 19.550.050 - Sight clearance requirements.

(2)

At no time shall a recreational vehicle be permitted to encroach into the public right-of-way.

(3)

A minimum of ten feet of space is maintained between the recreational vehicle and the back of the sidewalk.

(a)

If there is no sidewalk between the property and the curb, a minimum of 15 feet shall be maintained between the recreational vehicle and the end of the paved driveway or property line, whichever is nearest.

c.

Access. A side yard area used for recreational vehicle parking shall be accessible from the property's existing driveway.

(1)

Only one driveway opening is permitted, except in the case of an existing circular driveway.

(2)

Driveway openings may require widening to accommodate side-yard recreational vehicle parking, subject to the approval of the Public Works Department.

(3)

A second driveway may be added if the property has 100 feet or more of street frontage or has frontage on two streets, subject to approval by the Planning Division and Public Works Department.

d.

A recreational vehicle may not have utility hookups or be used as living quarters except as permitted by Section 19.465 (Caretaker Living Quarters - Temporary).

e.

Registration and vehicle condition. All recreational vehicles parked outside of a completely enclosed garage shall be currently and legally registered except as provided for by State law and shall be in an operable and movable condition within one hour. Motorized recreational vehicles, shall be movable under their own power. Boats and other nonmotorized vehicles, such as trailers, shall be movable by a towing vehicle customarily used for the type of vehicle being towed.

5.

Nonconforming rights. A non-paved driveway legally established prior to the adoption of this Code section, including any expansion of the driveway to provide additional off-street parking subsequent to the adoption of this Code section, is not subject to the paving requirements of this section unless the use and maintenance of such driveway and parking area lapses for a period of one year or more or unless the use served by the driveway is expanded. However, both the existing driveway and the additional parking area shall be surfaced with a weed- and dust-resistant material to the specifications of the Fire and Planning and Building Departments.

B.

Multiple family dwellings.

1.

Required number and type of spaces.

a.

Number of spaces: See Table 19.580.060 (Required Spaces) - Dwelling-Multiple Family.

b.

Covered parking required: At least 75 percent of the total required spaces shall be in a carport or fully enclosed.

c.

Distribution of covered parking: Garages and carports shall be distributed evenly throughout the project. Landscaped planters shall be required between garage structures as determined by the Development Review Committee. Required covered parking (garages and/or carports) shall not be used for household storage.

d.

Tandem parking: May be provided to satisfy the minimum parking requirement, when assigned to residential dwelling units with two or more bedrooms.

C.

Nonresidential uses.

1.

Except as provided in this section, landscaped front and street side yard setbacks shall not be used for the off-street parking of vehicles or for off-street parking spaces, turning or maneuvering aisles. However, entrance and exit drives, as a means of ingress and egress to off-street parking spaces, shall be permitted to cross landscaped front and street side yard setbacks.

(Ord. 7683, § 11, 2024; Ord. 7652 § 12, 2023; Ord. 7592 § 8(Exh. I), 2022; Ord. 7573 § 1(Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 7408 § 1, 2018; Ord. 7331 § 94, 2016; Ord. 7109 §§ 12, 13, 2010; Ord. 6966 § 1, 2007)

19.580.080 - Design standards.

A.

Parking space dimensions.

1.

Table 19.580.080 A. (Off Street Vehicle Parking Space Dimensions) sets forth minimum size requirements for individual parking spaces. Design standards for handicapped parking stalls shall be provided in compliance with current requirements of the Uniform Building Code.

2.

Compact spaces.

a.

Up to 15 percent of the onsite parking spaces may have compact dimensions as set forth in Table 19.580.080A.

b.

Calculations that result in fraction of a space shall be rounded to the nearest whole number.

c.

Compact spaces shall not be permitted for single-family dwellings.

3.

Parking spaces that are parallel and adjacent to a building, fence/wall, or other door swing or pedestrian access obstruction shall be nine and one-half feet wide.

4.

All off-street parking spaces shall be indicted by white or yellow painted stripes not less than four inches wide or by other means acceptable to the Planning Division. Handicapped accessible spaces shall be indicated by blue painted stripes, signs and markings, in accordance with State of California requirements.

5.

Except in the case of individual tree well planters, the minimum paved depth of a parking space shall not be reduced by an overhang into a planter.

6.

Tandem parking shall not be permitted to satisfy the minimum parking requirement, except as provided in Section 19.580.070 B.1.d (Multiple Family Dwellings) and Section 19.580.070.A.1.a. (Single-family dwellings).

7.

Angled Parking Spaces. Any parking layout incorporating angled parking spaces shall illustrate that minimum space dimensions are met by overlaying a rectangle (having the minimum required dimensions - Standard or Compact) onto each angled space so that no overhang occurs on the adjoining spaces, planters or drive aisles.

8.

One-car garages shall have a minimum interior dimension of 12 feet wide and 20 feet deep.

9.

Two-car garages shall have a minimum interior dimension of 20 feet wide and 20 feet deep.

B.

Drive aisle and driveway width dimensions.

1.

Each parking space shall have adequate drives, aisles and turning and maneuvering areas for access in accordance with Table 19.580.080 B. (Overall Parking Aisle Width).

2.

The minimum driveway widths for different use categories are established in Table 19.580.080 C (Minimum Driveway Widths). On-drive parking is prohibited at the minimum widths, except for single-family residential uses.

C.

Vehicular access and circulation.

1.

Accessibility and usability: Driveways shall not be used for any purpose that would prevent vehicle access to parking spaces, or inhibit circulation or emergency service response.

2.

Access to adjacent roadways: Parking spaces within a designated parking lot shall be designed to provide the minimum required turning and maneuvering areas, so vehicles can enter an abutting street in a forward direction (alleys may be used for maneuvering space).

3.

Circulation: Within a parking lot, circulation shall be such that a vehicle entering the parking lot need not enter the street to reach another aisle and that a vehicle shall not enter a public street backwards. Internal circulation, including safe entrances and exits shall be provided meeting the established standards and specifications of the Planning Division and Public Works Department.

4.

Visibility at driveways: Driveways shall be designed and located in such a manner so as to ensure proper visibility to on-street traffic. Driveway design shall take into consideration slopes, curvature, speed, and conflicting turning movements in the area. Clear visibility shall be maintained from the driveway by keeping the designated clear vision triangle free of obstacles such as signs, landscaping, and structures. See Article X (Definitions) for a description of the clear vision triangle.

D.

Parking structures.

1.

Parking spaces located within a parking structure shall be provided with safe entrances and exits, turning and maneuvering areas and driveways meeting the established standards and specifications of the Planning Division and Public Works Department.

2.

Driveways and turning and maneuvering areas in parking structure shall be paved with not less than two and one-half inches of asphaltic concrete or an equivalent surfacing meeting the specifications of the Public Works Department and shall be maintained in good repair.

Parking structures shall have a minimum landscaped setback of 15 feet along all street frontages, except in the area bounded by First Street, Fourteenth Street, State Route 91, and Locust Street, where a ten-foot landscaped setback shall be provided along all street frontages. When a greater setback is required by the zone in which the parking structure is located, such greater setback shall prevail.

4.

Parking structures shall have, along all street frontages, a three-foot high buffer to such parking structure consisting of a decorative masonry wall, solid hedge or landscaped mound or any combination thereof. Masonry walls and hedges shall be situated at the rear of the landscaped setback required by subsection 3 of this section.

5.

Piers and pillars shall not encroach into parking stalls.

E.

Garage/carport-architectural design. Garages and carports required for residential development shall be consistent with the architectural design of the primary buildings by using similar materials and roof pitches.

F.

Paving.

1.

Required parking, loading areas and circulation areas shall be paved with not less than three inches of asphalt concrete or an equivalent impervious surface meeting the established standards and specifications of the Public Works Department. They shall be graded and drained so as to dispose of all surface water, and shall be maintained in good repair; provided that those portions of single-family residential driveways extending beyond a point 100 feet back from the street property line in the RE, RA and R-1 Zones may be surfaced with an alternate material as determined by the Public Works Department; and further provided that in the RE Zone, the driveways within the bridle paths of equestrian trails shall not be paved.

2.

A non-paved driveway legally established prior to the adoption of this Code Section, including any expansion of the driveway to provide additional off-street parking subsequent to the adoption of this Code Section, is not subject to the paving requirements of this section unless the use and maintenance of such driveway and parking area lapses for a period of one year or more or unless the use served by the driveway is expanded. However, both the existing driveway and the additional parking area shall be surfaced with a weed- and dust-resistant material to the specifications of the Fire and Planning Division.

3.

The Community & Economic Development Director or his/her designee shall have the authority to administratively grant exceptions to the paving material and location restrictions, consistent with the purposes of this section, where special circumstances relating to property context, configuration, terrain, landscaping or structure locations make adherence to the paving location restrictions of this section impractical. Any such decision by the Community & Economic Development Director or his/her designee may be appealed to the City Council.

G.

Pedestrian access and circulation. All multi-family and nonresidential developments shall be designed with a minimum of one designated pedestrian path from each abutting street to the primary entrance(s) to such use. Access shall be distinct from the vehicle access, visibly delineated, and designed to be safe and convenient. Specifically, internal pedestrian walkways shall be distinguished from driving surfaces through the use of raised sidewalks, special pavers, bricks, or scored/stamped concrete.

H.

Drainage. Drainage facilities shall be provided in all public parking areas capable of handling and maintaining the drainage requirements of the subject property and surrounding properties. Drainage facilities shall be designed to dispose of all surface water consistent with Regional Water Quality Control Board standards, and to alleviate the creation of flooding and drainage problems.

I.

Curbing and bumper or wheel stops. Bumper stops not less than two feet in height or wheel stops not less than six inches in height shall be erected adjacent to any building or structure, wall, fence, property line, or walkway to protect other property. Areas containing plant materials shall be bordered by a concrete curb at least six inches high and six inches wide. Alternative barrier design to protect landscaped areas from damage by vehicles may be approved by the Development Review Committee.

J.

Lighting. Parking areas shall have lighting capable of providing adequate illumination for security and safety. Also see Section 19.590.070 (Light and Glare) and Chapter 19.556 (Outdoor Lighting).

K.

Walls. When adjoining or across an alley from any residentially zoned or residentially used lot, a masonry wall six feet in height shall be erected and maintained so as to physically separate the parking, loading or sales area from the residential property; provided that such wall shall be three feet high within the required front or street side yard area, or, where no front or street side yard area is required, such wall shall be three feet high within ten feet of the street line. Also, see Chapter 19.550 (Fences, Walls and Landscape Materials).

(Ord. 7683, § 12, 2024; Ord. 7609 § 7, 2022; Ord. 7592 § 8(Exh. I), 2022; Ord. 7573 § 1(Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 7487 § 16, 11-5-2019; Ord. 7331 § 94, 2016; Ord. 7109 §§ 14, 15, 2010; Ord. 6966 § 1, 2007)

Within parking lots, landscaping shall be used for shade and climate control, to enhance project design, and to screen the visual impact of vehicles and large expanses of pavement as set forth in the following paragraphs.

A.

Shade. Trees shall be planted and maintained in all parking lots at a ratio of one tree for every four parking spaces (that may be clustered or grouped). The trees shall be placed throughout the parking lot in a manner that will ensure that all portions of the lot receive tree shade. Trees shall be of a variety that provide a broad canopy.

B.

Screening.

1.

Between parking lot and street right-of way: Landscaping shall be designed and maintained for partial screening of vehicles to a minimum height of three feet, measured from the finished grade of the parking lot. Screening materials may include any combination of plant materials, earthen berms, solid masonry walls, raised planters, or other screening device deemed by the Community & Economic Development Director or his/her designee to comply with the intent of this requirement. This provision shall not apply in those instances where a masonry wall is required and when such property is used for a single-family residence.

2.

Between drive-through lane and street right-of way: An immediate three-foot-high landscape screen shall be established along the outer edge of drive-through aisles. Screening materials may include a combination of plant materials, wall, raised planters, and berm as approved by the Approving Authority.

C.

Percent coverage. Except in any industrial, airport and railway base zone, parking lots having more than 20 spaces shall have a minimum of five percent of the parking lot area landscaped. Parking lot landscaping shall not count toward required landscape coverage otherwise required for the zoning district in which a project is located and is in addition to required landscaped setbacks.

D.

Landscaped setbacks.

1.

For 20 or fewer parking spaces: A minimum ten-foot-wide landscaped setback is required along all street frontages for parking, loading and outdoor vehicle sales areas.

2.

For 21 or greater parking spaces: A minimum 15-foot-wide landscaped setback is required along all street frontages for parking, loading, and outdoor vehicle sales areas.

3.

When a greater setback is required by the zone: The greater setback shall prevail along all street frontages for parking, loading, and outdoor vehicle sales areas.

4.

When adjacent to a residentially zoned or residentially used lot: A minimum five-foot-wide landscaped setback is required along all property lines shared with a residentially zoned or residentially used lot for parking, loading and outdoor vehicle sales areas in conjunction with the required six-foot high masonry wall. E.

Irrigation. All landscaped areas shall be equipped with an underground automated irrigation system.

(Ord. 7573 § 1(Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 7331 §94, 2016; Ord. 7235 §12, 2013; Ord. 6966 §1, 2007)

19.580.100 - Prohibition of commercial, heavy or oversize vehicle parking.

A.

It is unlawful for the driver, owner or operator of any motor truck of a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds or truck tractor, or trailer of a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds of more than 10,000 pounds, or any combination thereof, to park, or cause to be parked, any

such vehicle upon any public street, or alley, or on any residentially zoned property, within the residential districts of the City of Riverside as defined by Section 515 of the State of California Vehicle Code.

B.

It is unlawful for the driver, owner or operator of any motor truck, truck tractor, or trailer or any combination thereof, of a size larger than eight feet in height and/or 24 feet in length, to park, or cause to be parked, any such vehicle upon any public street, or alley, or on any residentially zoned property, within the residential districts of the City of Riverside as defined by Section 515 of the State of California Vehicle Code.

C.

For the purpose of this section, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) means the manufacturer's rated capacity for the motor truck, truck tractor and/or trailer.

D.

It is unlawful to park, except for immediate loading and unloading of goods or to provide immediate services, any motor truck of a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds, truck tractor, or trailer of a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds, or any combination thereof, or any motor truck, truck tractor, or trailer or any combination thereof, of a size larger than eight feet in height and/or 24 feet in length, on residentially zoned property within the City limits.

E.

Recreational vehicles such as motor homes and travel trailers are exempted from the provisions of this section; however, they remain subject to Section 19.580.070 A.4(Off-street parking location and type requirements).

(Ord. 7573 § 1(Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 7331 §94, 2016; Ord. 6966 §1, 2007)

At the time of erection, establishment or enlargement of any land use involving the receipt and distribution by vehicles of materials and merchandise, there shall be provided and maintained for such new use or construction at least one loading space of not less than ten feet in width, 22 feet in length and 14 feet in height, with adequate ingress and egress from a public street or alley for each 4,000 square feet of gross floor area or fraction thereof; provided that not more than two of such spaces shall be required unless the floor area exceeds 20,000 square feet, in which case the site plan shall be submitted to the Approving Authority for the establishment of the required loading spaces. Such loading space, together with necessary driveways and turning and maneuvering areas, shall be developed and maintained in conformity with the requirements for off-street parking areas, and shall meet the established standards and specifications of the Planning Division.

(Ord. 7573 § 1(Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 7331 §94, 2016; Ord. 6966 §1, 2007)

19.580.120 - Maintenance for off-street parking.

A.

It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that all off-street parking spaces and areas required by this chapter are maintained for the duration of the improvement or use requiring the parking area. Surfacing required for temporary lots shall be as determined by designated Approving or Appeal Authority.

B.

All parking facilities, including curbs, directional markings, handicapped symbols, landscaping, pavement, signs, striping, and wheel stops, shall be permanently maintained by the property owner/tenant in good repair, free of litter and debris, potholes, obstructions, and stored material.

C.

Drive aisles, approach lanes, and maneuvering areas shall be marked and maintained with directional arrows and striping to expedite traffic movement. Any area not intended for parking shall be signed as such, or in areas where curb exists, the curb may be painted red in lieu of signs. All signing and striping installations shall be in conformance with the current standards or as otherwise deemed necessary by the Community & Economic Development Director or his/her designee to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow in or about any parking facility.

(Ord. 7573 § 1(Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 7331 §94, 2016; Ord. 6966 §1, 2007)

A.

All vehicles, including recreational vehicles, parked outside of a completely enclosed garage shall be currently and legally registered except as provided for by State law and shall be in an operable and movable condition within one hour. Motorized vehicles, including recreational vehicles, shall be movable under their own power. Boats and other non-motorized vehicles, such as trailers, shall be movable by a towing vehicle customarily used for the type of vehicle being towed.

B.

Those persons authorized to issue citations pursuant to the Riverside Municipal Code and any police officer, any parking control checker and the Director of Public Works, or designee, is authorized and empowered to enforce this parking regulation and to issue parking control notices related thereto as provided by the State of California Vehicle Code Section 40202.

(Ord. 7573 § 1(Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 7331 §94, 2016; Ord. 6966 §1, 2007)

19.580.140 - Reserved.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 7701, § 38, adopted 2025, repealed § 19.580.140. Former § 19.580.140 pertained to variances and derived from Ord. 6966 §1, adopted in 2007; Ord. 7331 §94, adopted in 2016; Ord. 7487 § 17, adopted in 2019; and Ord. 7573 § 1(Exh. A), adopted in 2021.

Chapter 19.590 - PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

19.590.010 - Purpose.

A.

This chapter describes certain characteristics associated with the design and operation of development that have the potential to create negative impacts on surrounding uses. Provisions herein identify the potential nuisance, establish thresholds for compliance, and explain the intent of development and operational standards to reduce potential impacts.

B.

Performance standards are provided to:

Establish standards by which potential development related nuisances can be assessed, measured, and otherwise dealt with factually and objectively. 2.

Ensure that all such nuisances are controlled in the design and engineering phases of new development projects.

Provide a framework by which potential impacts can be assessed and appropriate conditions applied in granting special use and conditional use permits.

(Ord. 7331 §95, 2016; Ord. 6966 §1, 2007)

19.590.020 - Applicability.

A.

These performance standards shall apply to all uses in all zones, except for legal nonconforming uses, as determined by the Community & Economic Development Director or his/her designee.

B.

Compliance may be waived by the City Council if a building condition created under prior ordinances physically precludes the reasonable application of the standards. Additional categorical exceptions from compliance with the performance standards are as follows: 1.

Temporary activities, such as festivals and other special events with approved temporary use permits or other required permits, where such activities otherwise comply with other applicable provisions of the Zoning Code.

Emergency activities subject to approval of an appropriate City Authority.

Construction activities, where such activity is temporary in nature and explicitly regulated by other sections of the Municipal Code.

(Ord. 7331 §95, 2016; Ord. 6966 §1, 2007)

19.590.030 - Hazardous and toxic materials.

A.

The intent of this section is to protect local health, safety and general welfare by ensuring that the design and operational characteristics of a property or use does not adversely impact neighboring property owners, neighboring property users or the general public through the accidental or intentional release or use of hazardous materials.

B.

The use, handling, storage and transportation of hazardous and extremely hazardous materials shall comply with the provisions of the California Hazardous Materials Regulations (California Administrative Code, Title 22, Division (4). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Department of Health Services (DHS) identify hazardous materials and prescribe handling, use and disposal practices. The use, storage, manufacture and disposal of hazardous materials shall be regulated and monitored according to the standards established by these agencies and any delegated government agencies. C.

The use, handling, storage, and transportation of combustibles and explosives shall comply with the provisions of the Uniform Fire Code. No gasoline or other inflammables or explosives shall be stored unless the location, plans, and construction conform to the laws and regulations of the State of California and have the

approval of the City of Riverside.

D.

Toxic gases or matter shall not be emitted that can cause any damage to health, to animals or vegetation, or other forms of property, or that can cause any excessive soiling beyond the lot lines of the use.

(Ord. 7331 §95, 2016; Ord. 6966 §1, 2007)