RivCo Mall To Reopen After Two-Week Closure Over Fire Danger

MORENO VALLEY, CA — The Moreno Valley Mall is expected to reopen on Thursday after officials lifted an order for temporary closure due to multiple safety and fire code violations.

Most of the mall, which was built in 1992, was shut down on Feb. 19 after Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department found multiple code violations that were deemed a safety risk. Fire officials recommended parts of the building be closed until the violations were addressed.

Macy's and JCPenney, which are independently-owned buildings, were allowed to remain open because they have sufficient exits for their occupancy and provide their own fire protection. Harkins Theaters also remained open after making modifications to their normal business practices, city officials said.

Last Thursday, the city council unanimously voted 5-0 during a special meeting to have city officials reach an agreement with the mall owner to facilitate the reopening pending all violations can be resolved, city officials said.

Nine fire code violations were identified, including issues with the fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, fire doors and fire/smoke dampers. As of Thursday, eight of the nine violations were resolved, according to city officials.

On Wednesday, officials announced the mall can reopen under several conditions, which include:

• Prior to reopening the mall, the mall shall retain, at no cost to the city, qualified fire watch individuals to monitor and assist with opening and closing two of the mall’s fire rated doors. This fire watch shall continue until such time as the city’s inspectors confirm that the doors have been properly repaired/replaced in accordance with the California Fire and Building Code. If the doors are not properly prepared by March 31, 2026, then the closure notice will be automatically reinstated.

• Prior to reopening the Moreno Valley Mall for use and occupancy, the mall shall temporarily seal two fire-rated doors to prevent the passage of smoke and hot gases. If the doors have not been permanently sealed by March 31, 2026, then the closure notice will be automatically reinstated.

• The onsite permanent emergency generators shall be restored, repaired, or replaced prior to the expiration of the temporary generator permit, which was issued for a period not to exceed 90 calendar days.

• The owner of the mall agreed to indemnify the city for any loss, injury, death, or damage to persons or property during a fire or evacuation.

City News Service contributed to this report.