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Council advances a package of land-use, zoning and permitting changes including SB 9 alignment, code adoptions and a self-cert pilot
Summary
Council introduced or approved a set of measures: adoption of the 2025 California Building Standards (Title 24) with local amendments, SB 9 zoning code updates to meet state requirements, a broader omnibus zoning update, and a pilot self-certification program (fee-based) to speed permit turnaround. Votes were unanimous on the items presented.
Riverside's City Council greenlighted a string of land-use and permitting updates Tuesday that city staff say will bring local codes into compliance with state law, streamline permitting for some uses and pilot a self-certification track for qualified design professionals.
Building official Oscar Macias and Fire Marshal Gary Coriel presented an introduction of three ordinances to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards (Title 24) with local amendments and administrative clarifications; staff said final adoption is scheduled for Nov. 18 to meet the Jan. 1, 2026 effective date. Macias emphasized that local amendments require expressed findings where Code modifications are necessary for Riverside's climate and geography.
Planning staff then presented SB 9-focused amendments to bring the Riverside Municipal Code into alignment with the government code and with SB 450 clarifications: revisions clarified unit counts for SB 9 projects (two primary units plus up to two ADUs), standardized side-yard setbacks (four feet), removed differential design standards not applicable to other single-family development (privacy-design requirements, tree-planting mandates) and removed certain noticing rules that HCD identified as impermissible.
An omnibus zoning update included streamlining permits for hydrogen-fuel stations, clarifying Pecor�n findings for alcohol licenses, and aligning junk-dealer and NC overlay uses with recent council direction. Planning staff said these updates aim to reduce unnecessary discretionary review while retaining public-safety controls.
Separately, the council approved a pilot "self-certification" program in the building-division fee schedule. The program, designed for licensed architects and engineers, will require a $2,500 one-time program entry fee, a $300 intake/completeness check fee and a $700 annual renewal; staff said fees are cost-recovery and the city will retain inspection, audit and enforcement authority.
All items were introduced or adopted with unanimous council support. Staff will return with final ordinances and any required CEQA findings where needed.
What happens next: staff will publish redlined ordinances and return for final adoption on the stated dates (including Nov. 18 for the Title 24 ordinance) and implement the self-certification pilot under the adopted fee schedule.
