Riverside Municipal Code Ch. 19.355 Pawn Shop

The purpose of regulating pawn shop establishments is to ensure security and compatibility with surrounding uses and properties and to avoid any impacts associated with such uses.

(Ord. 7331 §50, 2016; Ord. 6966 §1, 2007)

Pawn shop establishments, as defined in Article X (Definitions), are permitted as set forth in Article V, Base Zones and Related Use and Development Provisions subject to the requirements contained in this chapter.

(Ord. 7331 §50, 2016; Ord. 6966 §1, 2007)

The standards set forth in Article V, Base Zones and Related Use and Development Provisions, shall apply to pawn shop establishments unless otherwise specified here.

A. Site location standards.

1. The business shall not be located within 600 feet of a public or private school (kindergarten through twelfth grade), assemblies of people—non-entertainment or public park, as measured from any point upon the outside walls of the building or building lease space containing the business to the nearest property line of the school, assemblies of people—non-entertainment or park site.

2. The business shall not be located within 100 feet of any existing residential dwelling or property zoned for residential uses as measured from any point upon the outside walls of the building or building lease space containing the business to the nearest property line of the residential zoned property.

3. The business shall be located a minimum distance of 1,000 feet from any existing parolee/probationer home, emergency shelter or business licensed by the State of California for off- or on-sale of alcoholic beverages as measured from any point upon the outside walls of the building or building lease space of the business applying for the discretionary permit to the nearest property line of the site containing the existing parolee/probationer home, emergency shelter, supportive housing, transitional housing and transitional housing development or business licensed by the State of California for off- or on-sale of alcoholic beverages.

4. The business shall be in a location that is fully visible from a public street with an unobstructed view from the public street for public safety.

B. Operation and development standards.

1. The business shall have lighting to provide illumination for security and safety of parking and access areas in accordance with Chapter 19.556 of the Zoning Code.

2. A security plan shall be provided to the Riverside Police Department and Planning Division for review and approval.

3. The business window shall not be tinted or obscured in any way, including by temporary or painted window signs, and the interior lighting of the business shall remain at adequate levels to clearly see into the business from the exterior of the business.

4. A sign shall be posted in the front of the business indicating that no loitering is permitted per the Riverside Municipal Code.

5. Prior to occupancy of the business, the business owner shall sign a trespass authority letter authorizing the Riverside Police Department to enforce trespass law. A copy of this letter shall be provided to the Planning Division.

6. No outdoor pay phones shall be permitted on any such premises.

(Ord. 7331 §50, 2016; Ord. 7158 §9, 2012; Ord. 6966 §1, 2007)

Modifications to the above site location, operation and development standards may be considered in conjunction with the required Minor Conditional Use Permit.

(Ord. 7331 §50, 2016)