Introduce an Ordinance amending numerous sections of Titles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 of the Riverside Municipal Code to make various clarifying, conforming, technical, and other amendments in order to ensure Riverside Municipal Code remains current, relevant, and consistent with existing statutory and decisional law (All Wards)

Summary

This ordinance introduces numerous clarifying, conforming, and technical amendments across Titles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 of the Riverside Municipal Code (RMC). The goal is to ensure the RMC remains current, relevant, and consistent with existing state statutory and decisional law, following a legal review by CivicPlus, LLC and the City Attorney's Office.

Key Amendments Include:

• Consolidating Definitions: General terms like "City Manager" and "Finance Director" are centralized in RMC Section 1.01.050, removing duplications.
• Removing Obsolete Provisions: Sections addressing outdated legal effects (e.g., RMC 1.01.070 for actions prior to August 9, 1968) and redundant severability clauses are deleted.
• Updating Legal References: Campaign contribution limits (RMC 1.15.050) and military equipment use policies (RMC 2.70.010) are updated to refer directly to current Government Code sections.
• Public Safety & Business Regulations: Clarifies administrative citation fines for California Fire Code violations (RMC 1.17.231), updates definitions for official police towing services (RMC 5.15.020), and sets reimbursement for destruction of no/low value vehicles at up to $1,500.00 per vehicle (RMC 5.15.080).
• Mobile Home & Short-Term Rentals: Requires short-term rental owners to retain renter information for three years (RMC 5.55.050) and clarifies mobile home park lease notifications regarding rent stabilization (RMC 5.75.040).
• Bingo & Cannabis: Updates remote caller bingo regulations, including prize limits of $500.00 per game and monthly overhead limits of $3,000.00 (adjusted by CPI) (RMC 5.60.100). Confirms that cannabis tax rate increases beyond 10% of gross receipts require voter approval (RMC 5.78.370).

There is no fiscal impact associated with these amendments. The ordinance will become effective 30 days after adoption but will not be operative or enforced until approved by the voters of the City of Riverside.

Citizen Impact

This ordinance aims to make city laws clearer and more consistent, which can help residents better understand their rights and responsibilities. It includes updates to public safety rules, business regulations, and housing policies for mobile home parks and short-term rentals. Importantly, the enforcement of this ordinance is contingent on voter approval, giving residents a direct say in these code changes.

Confidence

high