More than 100 stores were closed last Thursday. Only Macy's and JCPenney remain open for business along with Harkins Theatre. The three have their own fire safety standards that are up to code, according to city officials.
Riverside County fire officials documented nine critical fire code violations involving the mall's fire alarm and smoke systems, sprinkler system and emergency exit lighting.
The Moreno Valley city attorney said the mall has been cited for 88 code violations since 2019, most of them described as cosmetic or non-life-threatening.
However, inspections conducted in January revealed more serious fire safety deficiencies, prompting the closure order.
City officials said the mall must remain closed until the life-safety violations are corrected.
Outside the mall on Thursday, workers could be seen moving in and out as fire alarm systems were tested as part of ongoing safety corrections. Some customers continued to arrive unaware of the closure.
"I thought it was sad because I wanted to go in there and go shopping but I couldn't because everything is blocked off," said customer Erica Lindsey.
So, far city officials say the mall's management has corrected three of the violations, but no timeline has been issued for when the mall might reopen.
A meeting at Moreno Valley City Hall is set for 6 p.m. on Thursday to discuss the mall's closure. The public is invited to attend.
Eyewitness News reached to the mall's management but did not receive a response.