Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Riverbank?

• Short-term rentals are currently not expressly prohibited in Riverbank, but the City does not yet have a finalized ordinance governing them. As of April 22, 2025, the City held a workshop directing staff to draft an STR ordinance for future council review. The direction from the workshop suggests initial approvals will likely be limited to single‑family (R‑1) and planned development (PD) zoning districts, with staff‑level permits and an annual renewal process anticipated. Because no ordinance has been adopted, no final rules, caps, or enforcement mechanisms are in effect at this time.
• Important: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) cannot be used as short‑term rentals; ADUs must be rented for 30 days or longer. This is a fixed restriction in Riverbank’s ADU guidelines.

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in Riverbank

Given the regulatory environment, investors should proceed cautiously and prepare for the likely approval pathway:

• Confirm zoning and site viability. The council’s direction suggests initial STR approvals will likely be limited to R‑1 (single‑family) and PD (planned development) zoning districts. Verify your parcel’s zoning and any overlay constraints.
• Prepare to obtain a permit. A staff‑level permit appears to be the preferred approach for initial approvals, with conditional‑use permits potentially required later for problematic properties.
• Plan for an annual renewal process. Expect renewal requirements and ongoing compliance checks.
• Establish occupancy, parking, and safety standards. While specific numeric limits were under discussion, the council expressed interest in staff tracking complaints and listings over a 6–8 month period before adopting strict limits. Prepare parking and safety measures accordingly.
• Maintain proof of insurance. Be ready to provide insurance documentation as part of any application package.
• Prepare application materials now. Anticipate typical submittals such as: property address, dwelling type, number of bedrooms, parking details, proof of insurance, and contact information.
• Set up listing compliance. Ensure listings align with the likely requirements (e.g., occupancy disclosures, contact information, quiet hours, trash procedures).
• Monitor ordinance development. Attend public workshops and watch the City’s agenda center for updates. Be prepared to adapt to evolving requirements (e.g., background checks, enforcement tools, platform cooperation).
• If an ADU is on the property, do not use it for STRs. ADUs must be rented for 30 days or more; short‑term use is prohibited.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

At this time, no final STR permit process has been adopted. Based on the workshop direction and typical practice in comparable cities, expect the following to be required (final requirements will be set by the forthcoming ordinance):

• Application for STR permit (likely staff‑level).
• Property address, parcel number, and legal description.
• Dwelling type and number of bedrooms.
• Off‑street parking plan (number and arrangement of spaces).
• Proof of general liability insurance.
• Host/owner contact information for emergency and complaints.
• Annual renewal and fee.
• Possible conditional‑use permit (CUP) in specific cases or later if problems occur.
• Ongoing compliance with noise, trash, and safety requirements (to be defined in the ordinance).
• Background checks may be researched for feasibility in consultation with police; not yet adopted.
• For properties with ADUs: STR use is prohibited. ADUs must be rented 30+ days.
• If a new ADU or infill development is proposed, undergrounding of utilities is required per City standards; encroachment permits apply.

Specific Regulations (City, County, and State)

City of Riverbank (current status)

• STRs are not currently governed by an adopted ordinance. City Council directed staff to draft an ordinance for future review following a workshop on April 22, 2025.
• Preliminary direction from the workshop suggests:
  • Initial STR permissions will likely be limited to R‑1 (single‑family) and PD zoning districts.
  • Permits will likely be staff‑level with the option to require CUPs later if issues arise.
  • An annual renewal process is anticipated.
  • Council favored tracking 6–8 months of listings and complaints before adopting strict caps or limits.
  • Typical application materials will include address, dwelling type, bedrooms, parking, and proof of insurance.
  • Conditional‑use permits can provide stronger revocation tools for properties with repeated complaints.
  • Enforcement coordination with police is expected; background checks may be explored.
  • The downtown specific plan and parking in multifamily areas were flagged as areas needing further analysis; site‑specific plan amendments might be required.
• ADUs cannot be used as short‑term rentals; minimum rental term is 30+ days (recorded deed restriction). ADUs must have separate addresses and comply with development, parking, and utility requirements; utility undergrounding is required for new ADUs/infill.
• Any new ADU or infill must underground utilities and may require civil improvement plans and an encroachment permit; fee impacts depend on size and connection burdens.
• City contact references:
  • City Clerk: cityclerk@riverbank.org; City Clerk’s Office phone: (209) 863‑7198
  • Administration/General phone: (209) 863‑7122
  • Building & Development Services coordination is required for certain improvements (e.g., ADUs, utility undergrounding).

Stanislaus County

• No county‑specific STR ordinance or guidance was found in the provided materials. Riverbank sits within Stanislaus County; updates, if any, should be monitored through the City and County’s official channels.

State of California (baseline context)

• STRs are generally lawful under State law unless locally prohibited or restricted; however, cities can regulate through local ordinances.
• ADUs are subject to State law and local rules; Riverbank prohibits short‑term rental of ADUs (must be 30+ days).

Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

• City of Riverbank — City Clerk’s Office
  • Address: 6707 Third Street, Suite A, Riverbank, CA 95367
  • Phone: (209) 863‑7198 (City Clerk’s Office)
  • Phone: (209) 863‑7122 (Administration/General)
  • Email: cityclerk@riverbank.org
  • Website: www.riverbank.org
  • City Council and Community Development Department lead will be involved in STR ordinance development; the City’s Community Development Director (Joshua Mann) is referenced in workshop materials.
• Workshop and ordinance development were scheduled and tracked through the City’s Agenda Center.

Links to Source Pages

• Riverbank holds workshop on short‑term rental rules; staff to draft ordinance:
  • citizenportal.ai/articles/6571895/Riverbank/Los-Angeles-County/California/Riverbank-holds-workshop-on-shortterm-rental-rules-staff-to-draft-ordinance
• City of Riverbank — Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Guidelines (includes prohibition on short‑term rentals for ADUs):
  • www.riverbank.org/DocumentCenter/View/4446/Accessory-Dwelling-Units-ADU-Guidelines
• City of Riverbank — City Council Agenda (April 22, 2025) — Workshop on STR Ordinance:
  • www.riverbank.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04222025-1732
• Riverbank Municipal Code — Ordinance 2020‑001 (Sign Code; general municipal code reference):
  • files.amlegal.com/pdffiles/Riverbank/2020-001.pdf

Practical Guidance for Investors

• Because Riverbank’s STR framework is in flux, treat the current period as a planning window rather than a green‑light to operate without permits. Submitting early, complete applications will position you favorably once the ordinance is adopted.
• Secure properties in R‑1 or PD zoning districts and ensure robust parking and safety plans; these features align with the council’s indicated preferences.
• For existing ADUs, plan for 30+ day rentals only; do not market ADUs for stays under 30 days.
• Prepare for an annual renewal and possible future CUP requirements, especially if complaints arise.
• Keep detailed records (insurance, contact info, occupancy rules, trash and noise protocols) to streamline compliance and renewal.
• Monitor the City’s Agenda Center and attend public meetings; the staff timeline anticipates collecting 6–8 months of data before recommending stricter caps or limits.