Earlier editions: 2026-07
Title 5 — Business Licenses and Regulations
El Cajon Municipal Code Ch. 5.28 Card Room – Non-Gambling
El Cajon Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · El Cajon
Cite as: El Cajon Municipal Code Chapter 5.28 · Text as of 2026-10-04
§ 5.28.010. Card room – Non-gambling defined.¶
For the purposes of this chapter, a card room is any space, room or enclosure furnished or equipped with one or more tables, spaces, or other implements used or intended to be used as card tables or locations for the playing of cards and similar games, and the use of which is available to the public or any portion of the public. This term shall not apply to public parks and city community recreation centers, where visitors occasionally play cards and similar games for recreational purposes.
(Ord. 4979 § 2, 2012)
§ 5.28.020. Restrictions on ownership.¶
It is unlawful to own or operate a card room within the city, except as a use accessory to one of the two following primary uses: 1) a restaurant establishment, or 2) a bona fide club, society, professional organization, union hall, fraternal organization, and similar use, having adopted rules or bylaws, and having members selected by established criteria. Further, the primary use must either possess all applicable discretionary permits, or have nonconforming status pursuant to Chapter 17.120 of this code for the use.
(Ord. 4990 § 3, 2013)
§ 5.28.030. Special Operation License Required.¶
No card room shall be established unless the owner first obtains a special operation license pursuant to Chapter 5.16 of this code. A maximum of eight card rooms may be authorized to operate at any one time.
(Ord. 4979 § 2, 2012)
§ 5.28.040. Card Room Development and Operational Performance Standards.¶
A. Card rooms shall be established and operated in conformance with Title 17 of this code.
B. Violation of the provisions of this Chapter shall be grounds for revocation of a special operation license.
(Ord. 4979 § 2, 2012)
§ 5.28.050. Licenses – Suspension and revocation.¶
In addition to the provisions noted Section 5.28.040 above, any special operation license issued under this chapter may be suspended or revoked as provided in Chapter 5.12 of this code.
(Ord. 4979 § 2, 2012)
§ 5.28.060. Licenses – Nontransferable.¶
No special operation license issued for a card room shall be assignable or transferable.
(Ord. 4979 § 2, 2012)
§ 5.28.070. Violation of state law not authorized.¶
It is not the intention of this chapter to license any card room for the playing of any game prohibited by the laws of the state.
(Ord. 4979 § 2, 2012)
§ 5.28.080. Public nuisance.¶
Any business which is established or maintained in violation of this chapter is deemed to be a public nuisance and may be abated in accordance with Chapter 1.16 of this code.
(Ord. 4979 § 2, 2012)
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