Most Common Code Violations
Cars & Trucks
In the unincorporated communities of Riverside County, cars and trucks that are dismantled, wrecked or otherwise not in running condition, must be stored inside of a completely enclosed and permitted building such as a garage or a shed.
If you have cars or trucks that are not in running condition and they are stored in the street in front of your house, in your driveway, front, side or back yards, you may be required to remove them from your property. Minor repairs may be allowed for one car or truck for a very short period of time only. Please consult with your local Code Enforcement office for more information.
Campers and Recreational Vehicles
Unless otherwise prohibited, campers and recreational vehicles must be stored off of the street in an area designated on your property for vehicle storage. This may include your driveway or yard areas.
Campers and recreational vehicles may be temporarily stored in the street in front of your house for a maximum of 4 days per month and no longer than 48 hours at a time. Storage in the street is limited to loading and off loading of equipment and supplies only.
The registered owner of the camper or recreational vehicle may temporarily park his or her vehicle in front of his or her house only.
Dangerous or Substandard Structures
A safe neighborhood means the buildings on your property (homes, garages, sheds, barns, etc.) are structurally sound and in good repair. Buildings that are abandoned often become targets of vandalism including graffiti. All property owners including absentee property owners must ensure that all the buildings on their property are kept up to building code standards.
You may be asked to repair deteriorating buildings, obtain a building permit for an unpermitted room addition or accessory building, or replace dangerous plumbing or electrical wiring. Please contact your local Code Enforcement office for additional information.
Fences
Unless otherwise prohibited, you can install a fence on your property not exceeding 7 feet in height, using common fencing materials (chain link, wire or wood) without a building permit. If you are thinking about installing a block wall on your property, please contact your local Code Enforcement office for additional information.
Fire
Tall dry grass or dead vegetation is a fire hazard and must be cleared. For more information on weed abatement, contact your local Fire Department.
Junk, Trash & Outside Storage
The most difficult part of a project is the final cleanup. We often put off throwing away leftovers or straightening up, but this garbage, trash, appliances, old furniture, or scrap materials which is a visual blight to the neighborhood, must be removed from the property and taken to the local landfill.
Sometimes the things that look like junk to one person, are valuable materials for someone else’s next project; lumber, salvage materials, fixtures, appliances, furniture, lumber, barrels, scrap metal, and other such materials. These items must be stored away from public view and/or removed from the property.
Animals
The keeping of dogs and cats are regulated by the Riverside County Animal Control division. Please contact Animal Control, at (951) 358-7387, for information regarding the number of dogs and cats you are allowed to keep as well as information pertaining to dog kennel and cattery permits.
The keeping of non-domesticated animals such as horses, cows, sheep, goats, and pigs are regulated by the Riverside County Land Use Ordinance No. 348. The type and quantity of animals you are allowed to keep is dependent upon the zoning and the acreage of your property. You may be asked to reduce the type and number of non-domesticated animals being kept on your property. Please contact your local Code Enforcement office for additional information.
Commercial Businesses
Commercial businesses must be located in the proper zoning classification. All commercial businesses must have the approval of the Planning Department in the form of a permit before you can open your doors to the public. Both onsite and offsite improvements may be required before you can open your business. If you do not have the necessary approvals from the Planning Department, you may be asked to close your business. Please contact the Planning Department for additional information at (951) 955-3200.
Garage Sales
Garage and yard sales are fun and help with that Spring Cleaning, but they should not be a continuous operation. No person, firm, association or corporation shall conduct more than three garage sales during any period of twelve (12) consecutive months, nor shall more than three garage sales be conducted upon any lot or parcel of land during any period of twelve (12) consecutive months. No garage sale shall be conducted between the hours of eight p.m. to eight a.m. or be conducted for longer than three consecutive days. (Ord. 593 § 4, 1982)