Riverside Development & Codes
Zoning and Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)

The City of Riverside is governed by the Code of Ordinances. These Ordinances are compiled into what is referred to as the Municipal Code. One of the sections of this Municipal Code is what is called the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The UDO is the legal document that fully describes the regulations regarding land use, infrastructure, construction, design guidelines, etc. While there are other types of municipal land use regulations, the UDO is specifically designed to cross reference other parts of the Municipal Code to ensure compatibility, clarity, and ease of use.

The City of Riverside is divided into separate zoning districts in order to regulate activities on individual properties. These districts have their own sets of regulations in order to promote health, safety, and the general welfare of the community, including its aesthetic appearance. These regulations protect residents and business owners by:

• Lessening congestion in the streets.
• Securing safety from fires, panic and other dangers.
• Providing adequate light and air.
• Preventing overcrowding of land.
• Avoiding undue concentration of population.
• Bringing about the gradual conformity of the uses of land and buildings throughout the City.
• Facilitating the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewage, schools, parks, and other public requirements.
• Protecting and conserving the value of land throughout the City.
• Providing a policy to efficiently process permits and other application forms by the City.