Campus facilities must be designed under the Uniform Building Code to Seismic Zone 4 standards. Due to efforts to upgrade air quality over the last fifteen years, there has been a significant improvement in the quality of the air. However, the Riverside area does not yet meet government standards, particularly for ozone and suspended particulates. Summer daytime highs are frequently over 95 degrees, with evening temperatures dropping below 65 degrees. Winter temperatures occasionally fall below freezing but are relatively frost free.
Low humidity is the norm, with dry air and little fog.
Prevailing fall and winter winds are from the north, while dry Santa Ana winds blow from the northeast. Summer breezes generally flow from the west. The existing campus possesses a parklike character, with the landscaped grounds creating a spacious setting for the buildings, paths, and roadways. The landscaping and buildings tend to be humanly scaled, informal and asymmetrical in character, contributing to a sense of friendliness and collegiality. The design palette is generally warm in color and diversely textured.