Ordinance No. 457.108

Ordinance No. 457.108 fully replaces the existing Ordinance No. 457 governing building requirements in Riverside County, adopting the 2025 Building Standards Code as the new baseline for all construction regulations. This includes the California Existing Building Code and specific appendices from both the 2025 California Building Code and the 2025 California Residential Code, such as those covering agricultural buildings, patio covers, grading, emergency housing, existing structures, and tiny houses. The ordinance further enhances these state standards by imposing stricter local requirements tailored to Riverside County’s unique climatic, geological, and topographical conditions, particularly in areas involving unpermitted construction, exempt work, waivers for professional document submittals, fee structures, refunds, pond regulations, agricultural registration certificates, and grading practices. These local amendments ensure that building practices align with regional environmental risks and community safety needs, while also maintaining alignment with state code frameworks. The ordinance is administered by the Riverside County Building & Safety Department, with Sam Shahrouri serving as the primary point of contact for implementation and inquiries.