Riverside · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Riverside
Riverside sets its own limits on accessory structures and home businesses, and has a separate chapter on fences, walls and landscape materials. Accessory structure height and size depend on the zone, the stories and the lot size.
Key points
- Accessory height: In single-family zones, accessory structures are limited to 20 feet for 1 story and 30 feet for 2 stories (city rule).
- Home businesses: Home offices may not have customer or client visits, and home instruction is limited to 1 pupil at a time (city rule).
- Fences: The city has its own chapter on fences, walls and landscape materials.
Each rule below is marked Riverside code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Sheds, garages and other accessory structures
Riverside code In single-family zones, accessory structures are limited to 20 feet for 1 story and 30 feet for 2 stories (city rule).
All 13 Riverside rules on sheds, garages and other accessory structures, with the code text →
Running a business from home
Riverside code Home offices may not have customer or client visits, and home instruction is limited to 1 pupil at a time (city rule).
All 4 Riverside rules on running a business from home, with the code text →
Lot splits under SB 9
Riverside code About equal lots; none smaller than 40% of the original lot area. At least 1,200 square feet, or 40% of the original lot, whichever is greater.
All 6 Riverside rules on lot splits under SB 9, with the code text →
Solar panels and EV chargers
| EV charger permit |
|
|---|---|
| Solar permit process |
|
Swimming pools
Riverside code An enclosure that meets state pool safety rules and separates the pool or spa from the home. Removable mesh fencing that meets ASTM F2286.
All 9 Riverside rules on swimming pools, with the code text →
Building in a flood zone
| Floodplain permit |
|
|---|---|
| Height of the lowest floor |
|
Grading and erosion control
| Steepest cut or fill slope |
|
|---|
Building on a hillside
Riverside code Graded pad area may be at most 27,000 square feet. Graded pad area may be at most 21,000 square feet.
All 9 Riverside rules on building on a hillside, with the code text →
Noise and construction hours
Riverside code Noise may not exceed 45 dBA. Noise may not exceed 55 dBA.
All 4 Riverside rules on noise and construction hours, with the code text →
Outdoor lighting
| Fixture height |
|
|---|---|
| Shielding |
|
Garage and yard sales
| Hours |
|
|---|---|
| How long a sale may last |
|
| Sales per year |
|
Family child care homes
| Zoning | A small or large family child care home is a residential use and a use by right under all local ordinances, including zoning |
|---|---|
| Business license or fee | A city or county may not charge a business license, fee or tax to run a family child care home |
| Local rules | Local limits on height, setbacks, lot size, health and safety must be the same as for every other home in the same zone |
| Small home | Up to eight children, counting the provider's own children under 10 who live there |
| Large home | 7 to 14 children, counting the provider's own children under 10 who live there |
Home alarm permits and false alarms
Riverside code Penalty amounts are set by City Council resolution; pay within 30 calendar days of the invoice A higher penalty may be set for each additional false alarm in a calendar year and for non-permitted alarms
All 6 Riverside rules on home alarm permits and false alarms, with the code text →
Signs on homes
Riverside code Real estate signs may be displayed without permits Address signs required by and conforming with the Building Code
All 11 Riverside rules on signs on homes, with the code text →
Trash and recycling carts
Riverside code Solid waste must not be placed in organic recyclable containers Remove containers no later than 8:00 p.m. on collection day
All 3 Riverside rules on trash and recycling carts, with the code text →
Other Riverside rules on this
Riverside's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Fences, walls and landscape materials (Ch. 19.550)
- Keeping pot-bellied pigs as pets (Ch. 8.19) — license needed; single-family residential lots
- Where you may place bee hives (§ 8.20.060)
- Keeping animals at home (zoning) (Ch. 19.455)
- Parking trailers and trailer coaches on streets (§ 10.52.155) — public streets only
- Local park development fee (§ 16.60.030)
- Transportation impact fee on new homes (§ 16.64.040)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
How tall can a fence be in Riverside?
The city has its own chapter on fences, walls and landscape materials. Riverside also has a related rule: Fences, walls and landscape materials (Ch. 19.550).
Do I need a permit for solar panels or an EV charger in Riverside?
Riverside's code: Expedited permit review; only 1 inspection. (Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems eligible for expedited review.) (§ 16.22.060); Building permit approval is nondiscretionary when the application meets the approved checklist and standards. (EV charging stations with no specific, adverse impact on public health or safety.) (§ 16.23.060).
What are the rules for building in a Riverside flood zone?
Riverside's code: You need a development permit for development, including manufactured homes, in any special flood hazard area. (§ 16.18.090); The lowest floor must be at or above the base flood elevation. (New or substantially improved homes in AE, AH or A1-30 Zones.) (§ 16.18.100).
What are the grading rules in Riverside?
Riverside's code: Cut and fill slopes may be no steeper than 2:1. (Unless a soils or geology report shows a steeper slope is stable and the Public Works Director approves.) (§ 17.28.010).
What are the outdoor lighting rules for homes in Riverside?
Riverside's code: Lights must be aimed and shielded so light does not shine onto neighboring properties. (§ 19.590.070); Freestanding pole lights may be no taller than 14 feet. (Within 50 feet of a residentially zoned property or a home.) (§ 19.590.070).
What are the garage sale rules in Riverside?
Riverside's code: No more than 4 sales. (Per person on a lot, per calendar year; each separate address on a split parcel gets 4.) (§ 5.49.060); Sales are allowed only from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Friday through Sunday only.) (§ 5.49.060).
Can I run a family child care home in Riverside?
California law sets this for every city, including Riverside: Zoning: A small or large family child care home is a residential use and a use by right under all local ordinances, including zoning (Health & Safety Code § 1597.45(a)); Business license or fee: A city or county may not charge a business license, fee or tax to run a family child care home (Health & Safety Code § 1597.45(b)); Local rules: Local limits on height, setbacks, lot size, health and safety must be the same as for every other home in the same zone (Health & Safety Code § 1597.45(e)); Small home: Up to eight children, counting the provider's own children under 10 who live there (Health & Safety Code § 1596.78(c)); Large home: 7 to 14 children, counting the provider's own children under 10 who live there (Health & Safety Code § 1596.78(b)).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a specific Riverside property
Ask GoCodebook how these rules apply to your address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question