Chapter 4.101 — PASADENA TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
Pasadena Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-09-29 · Pasadena
4.101.010 - Short title.¶
This chapter shall be known as the "Pasadena tourism business improvement district ordinance."
(Ord. 6945 § 3 (part), 2003; Ord. 6929 § 3 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 7401, § 3, 9-22-2022)
4.101.020 - Definitions.¶
For the purposes of this chapter, all terms in this chapter shall have the meanings set forth in Section 4.44.020 of this code. Additionally, for the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
A.
"Assessment" means the assessment authorized by Section 4.101.050 of this chapter.
B.
"Authorized activities" means the activities authorized to be provided in connection with the district, as set forth in Section 4.101.040 of this chapter.
C.
"District" means the Pasadena tourism business improvement district established by Section 4.101.020 of this chapter.
D.
"Fiscal year" means the period beginning July 1 of each calendar year and ending June 30 of the following calendar year, except that the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003 shall begin on the later of the effective date of this chapter or March 5, 2003.
E.
"Gross occupancy revenue" means the total rent received from transients by a hotel and motel business.
F.
"Hotel and motel business" means any operator of a hotel other than an operator of a hotel that is owned by a nonprofit corporation and operated as an adjunct to a charitable or educational activity.
G.
"Law" means the Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989, being Sections 36500 and following of the California Streets and Highways Code.
H.
"Transient occupancy tax" means the tax imposed by the city pursuant to Section 4.44.030 of this code.
(Ord. 6945 § 3 (part), 2003; Ord. 6929 § 3 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 7401, § 3, 9-22-2022)
4.101.030 - District established.¶
A parking and business improvement area designated as the "Pasadena tourism business improvement district" is hereby created and established pursuant to the law.
(Ord. 6945 § 3 (part), 2003; Ord. 6929 § 3 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 7401, § 3, 9-22-2022)
4.101.040 - Boundaries.¶
The boundaries of the district are the city limits of the city of Pasadena.
(Ord. 6945 § 3 (part), 2003; Ord. 6929 § 3 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 7401, § 3, 9-22-2022)
4.101.050 - Activities.¶
The following activities are authorized to be provided in connection with the district: (i) the promotion of tourism within the district; (ii) the promotion of public events which benefit hotel and motel businesses operating in the district; (ii) furnishing of music in any public place in the district; and (iv) activities which benefit hotel and motel businesses located and operating in the district. The primary purpose of these activities is to promote tourism within the district.
(Ord. 6945 § 3 (part), 2003; Ord. 6929 § 3 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 7401, § 3, 9-22-2022)
4.101.060 - Assessment.¶
Except where funds are otherwise available, an assessment shall be levied annually to pay for all authorized activities within the district. The assessment shall be in addition to any other assessments, fees, charges or taxes imposed by the city.
(Ord. 6945 § 3 (part), 2003; Ord. 6929 § 3 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 7401, § 3, 9-22-2022)
4.101.070 - Assessment—Businesses subject to assessment.¶
The assessment will be levied against each hotel and motel business in the city. No other business shall be subject to the assessment.
(Ord. 6945 § 3 (part), 2003; Ord. 6929 § 3 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 7401, § 3, 9-22-2022)
4.101.080 - Assessment—New businesses.¶
New hotel and motel businesses established in the district after the beginning of any fiscal year shall not be exempt from the levy of the assessment for that fiscal year but shall instead be subject to the assessment.
(Ord. 6945 § 3 (part), 2003; Ord. 6929 § 3 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 7401, § 3, 9-22-2022)
4.101.090 - Assessment—Basis and rate.¶
The assessment will be calculated as a percentage of each day's gross occupancy revenue. The rate of the assessment effective in any fiscal year shall be set by resolution of the city council adopted pursuant to Section 36535 of the law, and shall not exceed 2.89%.
(Ord. 6945 § 3 (part), 2003; Ord. 6929 § 3 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 7401, § 3, 9-22-2022)
4.101.100 - Assessment—Collection.¶
The assessment calculated based on any day's gross occupancy revenues shall be paid to the city no later than the date on which the hotel and motel business is required, pursuant to Section 4.44.070 of this code, to remit to the city the transient occupancy tax collected by the hotel and motel business on that day.
(Ord. 6945 § 3 (part), 2003; Ord. 6929 § 3 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 7401, § 3, 9-22-2022)
4.101.110 - Transient occupancy tax enforcement provisions apply to assessments.¶
The provisions of sections 4.44.080 through 4.44.180 (which generally pertain to enforcement of transient occupancy tax requirements) shall be treated as fully applicable to assessments made pursuant to this chapter.
(Ord. No. 7401, § 3, 9-22-2022)
Editor's note— Ord. No. 7401, § 3, adopted September 22, 2022, amended the Code by repealing former §§ 4.101.110 and 4.101.120, adding a new § 4.101.110, and, in effect, renumbering former §§ 4.101.130—4.101.180 as new §§ 4.101.120— 4.101.170. Former § 4.101.110 pertained to penalties and interest for assessments, and former § 4.101.120 pertained to debt to city. Both sections derived from Ords. 6929 and 6945 of 2003.
4.101.120 - Assessment—Election to recover from transient.¶
The assessment is levied upon each hotel and motel business subject to the assessment, and each such business shall be solely responsible for paying all assessments when due. Without disturbance of the foregoing, a hotel or motel business may elect to recover some or all of the amount of the assessment from transients owning rent to the hotel or motel business. The amount to be recovered from any transient may not exceed the amount of rent owed by that transient to the hotel and motel business, multiplied by the then effective rate of the assessment. The amount recovered shall be identified or itemized (separately or in conjunction with the amount of transient occupancy tax owned by that transient) on a document provided to the transient. Assessments levied on hotel and motel businesses pursuant to this chapter and recovered from transients pursuant to this section are not considered "rent" for the purposes of Section 4.44.020 of this code.
(Ord. 6945 § 3 (part), 2003; Ord. 6929 § 3 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 7401, § 3, 9-22-2022)
Note— Former § 4.101.130. See editor's note, § 4.101.110.
4.101.130 - Special fund.¶
There is created a special fund designated as "Pasadena tourism business improvement district fund" into which all revenue derived from assessments levied pursuant to this chapter shall be placed, and such funds shall be used only for the purposes specified in this chapter. This fund shall be subject to an annual independent audit.
(Ord. 6945 § 3 (part), 2003; Ord. 6929 § 3 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 7401, § 3, 9-22-2022)
Note— Former § 4.101.140. See editor's note, § 4.101.110.
4.101.140 - Use of revenues.¶
Revenues from the levy of the assessment may be used only for authorized activities, and shall not be used for activities outside of the district.
(Ord. 6945 § 3 (part), 2003; Ord. 6929 § 3 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 7401, § 3, 9-22-2022)
Note— Former § 4.101.150. See editor's note, § 4.101.110.
4.101.150 - Contracting of funds.¶
The city may contract with a separate public or private agency to administer the authorized activities. Any agency that holds funds in trust for purposes related to the contract shall, at no expense to the city, provide an annual independent audit report by a certified public accountant of these funds. The audit may be funded from assessment proceeds as part of the general administration of the district. At all times the city shall reserve full rights of accounting of these funds.
(Ord. 6945 § 3 (part), 2003; Ord. 6929 § 3 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 7401, § 3, 9-22-2022)
Note— Former § 4.101.160. See editor's note, § 4.101.110.
4.101.160 - Amendments.¶
Hotel and motel businesses within the district shall be subject to any amendments to the law.
(Ord. 6945 § 3 (part), 2003; Ord. 6929 § 3 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 7401, § 3, 9-22-2022)
Note— Former § 4.101.170. See editor's note, § 4.101.110.
4.101.170 - Recordkeeping and inspections.¶
It shall be the duty of every hotel and motel business to keep all records as may be necessary to determine the amount of assessment due hereunder and shall preserve the same for a period of 4 years. The tax administrator shall have the right to inspect such records at all reasonable times.
The finance director shall determine the mode and method of recordkeeping required to assist the tax administrator to perform the duties required of him under this section. Any audit which must be performed to secure compliance with the terms of this section is to be performed in the city. If for any reason the audit cannot be performed in the city, the hotel and motel business shall reimburse the city for the actual cost of all transportation, lodging, meals, travel time and other incidental costs reasonably incurred by the city in conducting the audit."
(Ord. 6945 § 3 (part), 2003; Ord. 6929 § 3 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 7401, § 3, 9-22-2022)
Note— Former § 4.101.180. See editor's note, § 4.101.110.
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Ask AI about this code▸Contents — Pasadena Municipal Code
- Article I — NAME AND BOUNDARIES
- Article II — SUCCESSION
- Article III — POWERS OF THE CITY
- Article IV — THE CITY COUNCIL
- Article V — LEGISLATION
- Article VI — THE CITY MANAGER
- Article VII — BOARD OF EDUCATION
- Article VIII — THE PERSONNEL SYSTEM
- Article IX — FISCAL ADMINISTRATION
- Article X — CONTRACTS, PURCHASES AND CLAIMS
- Article XI — FRANCHISES
- Article XII — ELECTIONS
- Article XIII — INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM AND RECALL
- Article XIV — WATER AND POWER UTILITY OPERATIONS
- Article XV — THE FIRE AND POLICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM
- Article XVI — PARK PRESERVATION
- Article XVII — TAXPAYER PROTECTION
- Article XVIII — THE PASADENA FAIR AND EQUITABLE HOUSING CHARTE…
- Title 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Title 1 — FOOTNOTES
- Chapter 2.05 — CITY COUNCIL
- Chapter 2.10 — CITY COUNCIL VACANCY APPOINTMENT PROCESS
- Chapter 2.20 — INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
- Chapter 2.25 — PARKING AUTHORITY
- Chapter 2.28 — SURPLUS PROPERTY AUTHORITY
- Chapter 2.30 — CITY ATTORNEY'S DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.35 — CITY CLERK'S DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.40 — CITY MANAGER'S DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.45 — ADVISORY BODIES GENERALLY
- Chapter 2.47 — ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.48 — ACCESSIBILITY AND DISABILITY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.55 — CODE ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.60 — COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.65 — COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
- Chapter 2.70 — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.75 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.80 — DESIGN COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.85 — HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.86 — HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.90 — LIBRARY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.95 — NORTHWEST COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.98 — PARKING METER ZONES ADVISORY COMMISSIONS
- Chapter 2.100 — RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.105 — PLANNING COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.110 — RELOCATION APPEALS BOARD
- Chapter 2.120 — SENIOR COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.130 — SOUTH LAKE AVENUE PARKING PLACE COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.135 — TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.140 — ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.150 — HAHAMONGNA WATERSHED PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.155 — PASADENA COMMUNITY ACCESS CORPORATION BOARD
- Chapter 2.165 — PASADENA CENTER OPERATING COMPANY BOARD
- Chapter 2.175 — THE ROSE BOWL OPERATING COMPANY
- Chapter 2.250 — RETIREMENT SYSTEM
- Chapter 2.255 — AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS GENERALLY
- Chapter 2.265 — PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPA…
- Chapter 2.266 — PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.267 — LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.268 — HOUSING DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.270 — PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.275 — FINANCE DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.280 — FIRE DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.285 — HUMAN RESOURCES
- Chapter 2.290 — INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.295 — POLICE DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.300 — PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.302 — RENT STABILIZATION DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.303 — TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.305 — WATER AND POWER DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.350 — ACCEPTANCE OF SURETIES
- Chapter 2.355 — ADMINISTRATIVE RESOLUTION OF CODE VIOLATIONS
- Chapter 2.360 — EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN CITY EMPLOYMENT
- Chapter 2.365 — CLAIMS BY AND AGAINST THE CITY
- Chapter 2.370 — DISASTER EMERGENCY SERVICES COUNCIL
- Chapter 2.375 — EMERGENCY AUXILIARY FORCES
- Chapter 2.380 — HOUSING MEDIATION CONTRACTOR
- Chapter 2.385 — PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO ARREST PURSUANT TO PENAL…
- Chapter 2.390 — RECORD AND DOCUMENT FEES
- Chapter 2.395 — UNCLAIMED PERSONAL PROPERTY
- Chapter 2.400 — USE AND ACCESS OF CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION
- Title 3 — CIVIC EVENTS AND FACILITIES
- Article I — General Provisions
- Article II — Permits
- Article III — Use Restrictions
- Article IV — Uses Requiring Permission
- Article V — Refunds—Penalties
- Chapter 3.28 — CIVIL DEFENSE TRAINING CENTER
- Chapter 3.32 — ARROYO SECO PUBLIC LANDS
- Article I — General Provisions
- Article II — Natural Preservation Area
- Article III — Brookside Park Area
- Article IV — Rose Bowl Area
- Article V — Brookside Golf Course Area
- Title 3 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 4 — REVENUE AND FINANCE
- Article 1 — General Provisions and Definitions
- Chapter 4.90 — CITY OF PASADENA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REVENUE B…
- Chapter 4.95 — PUBLIC WORKS BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS
- Chapter 4.100 — POWER DIVISION GENERAL FUND TRANSFER
- Chapter 4.101 — PASADENA TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
- Chapter 4.105 — SALES TAX INCENTIVES
- Chapter 4.106 — MOBILE SOURCE AIR POLLUTION REDUCTION ORDINANCE
- Chapter 4.107 — CITY OF PASADENA SPECIAL TAX FINANCING IMPROVE…
- Chapter 4.108 — SEISMIC AND FIRE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ASSESSMENT…
- Chapter 4.109 — LIBRARY SPECIAL TAX
- Title 4 — FOOTNOTES
- Chapter 5.02 — PAYMENT OF A CITY-WIDE MINIMUM WAGE
- Chapter 5.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 5.08 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 5.10 — LICENSE REGULATIONS
- Chapter 5.12 — EXEMPTIONS TO TAX
- Chapter 5.16 — FEES FOR MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESSES
- Chapter 5.20 — ADVERTISEMENTS
- Chapter 5.24 — ALARM SYSTEMS
- Chapter 5.28 — CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
- Chapter 5.32 — BILLIARD AND POOL ROOMS
- Chapter 5.33 — BINGO GAMES
- Chapter 5.34 — CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS
- Chapter 5.35 — CONCEALABLE FIREARMS—RETAIL SALES
- Chapter 5.40 — ESCORT BUREAUS
- Chapter 5.44 — FRANCHISE GRANTS FOR USE OF PUBLIC WAYS
- Chapter 5.45 — SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES
- Chapter 5.48 — MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 5.56 — PAWNBROKERS, JUNK AND SECONDHAND DEALERS
- Chapter 5.60 — SALES AND CLOSE-OUTS
- Chapter 5.68 — UNDERGROUND FACILITIES USE
- Chapter 5.72 — VEHICLES FOR HIRE
- Chapter 5.74 — LICENSURE OF TOBACCO RETAILERS
- Chapter 5.78 — COMMERCIAL CANNABIS ACTIVITY
- Chapter 5.80 — COVID-19 RIGHT OF RECALL
- Chapter 5.82 — COVID-19 WORKER RETENTION ORDINANCE
- Title 5 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 6 — ANIMALS
- Title 6 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 8 — HEALTH AND SAFETY
- Title 8 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 9 — PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE
- Chapter 9.20 — GAMING AND GAMBLING
- Chapter 9.24 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN PUBLIC
- Chapter 9.26 — DEFECATION AND URINATION IN PUBLIC
- Chapter 9.28 — INDECENT EXPOSURE
- Chapter 9.36 — NOISE RESTRICTIONS
- Chapter 9.37 — LEAF-BLOWING MACHINES
- Chapter 9.40 — BALL GAME BACKSTOPS
- Chapter 9.41 — COMBUSTIBLE BALLOONS
- Chapter 9.42 — FORMATION FLYING
- Chapter 9.43 — FEES FOR SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT RESPONSE TO PROVI…
- Chapter 9.44 — DISTRIBUTION OF UNSOLICITED WRITTEN MATERIAL (R…
- Chapter 9.45 — UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
- Chapter 9.48 — FIRE HYDRANTS
- Chapter 9.52 — TRESPASSING
- Chapter 9.56 — OBSTRUCTING PUBLIC PLACE OR BUSINESS
- Chapter 9.58 — ABANDONED VEHICLE ABATEMENT
- Chapter 9.60 — GRAFFITI ABATEMENT ORDINANCE
- Chapter 9.62 — ABANDONED SHOPPING CARTS
- Article VI — Consumer Protection
- Chapter 9.68 — CURFEW
- Chapter 9.69 — SEALING OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL
- Chapter 9.70 — SALE AND DISPLAY OF NARCOTIC PARAPHERNALIA
- Chapter 9.75 — TENANT PROTECTION
- Chapter 9.76 — PROHIBITED EQUIPMENT
- Chapter 9.78 — UNSERIALIZED FIREARMS
- Chapter 9.80 — DISCHARGING
- Chapter 9.84 — HAZARDOUS WEAPONS
- Chapter 9.88 — FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES AND DISCLOSURE ORDINANCE
- Chapter 9.89 — ELECTRONIC FILING OF CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE INFORM…
- Chapter 9.90 — REPORTING SALES OF UNREGULATED CHEMICALS
- Chapter 9.95 — EVICTION DUE TO ILLEGAL DRUG DEALING ACTIVITIES
- Chapter 9.97 — ELLIS ACT TENANT PROTECTIONS
- Title 9 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 10 — VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
- Title 10 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 12 — STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
- Title 12 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 13 — UTILITIES AND SEWERS
- Article I — Definitions and General Provisions
- Article II — Design and Construction
- Article III — Maintenance and Operation
- Chapter 13.28 — WATER MAIN ASSESSMENTS5
- Chapter 13.32 — GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED WATERCOURSES
- Title 13 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 14 — BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
- Title 14 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 16 — SUBDIVISIONS
- Title 16 — FOOTNOTES
- Title 17 — Zoning Code
- Chapter 17.10 — Enactment and Applicability of Zoning Code
- Chapter 17.12 — Interpretation of Zoning Code Provisions
- Chapter 17.20 — Zoning Map
- Chapter 17.21 — Development and Land Use Approval Requirements
- Chapter 17.22 — Residential Zoning Districts
- Chapter 17.24 — Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts
- Chapter 17.26 — Special Purpose Zoning Districts
- Chapter 17.28 — Overlay Zoning Districts
- Chapter 17.29 — Hillside Overlay Districts
- Chapter 17.30 — Central District Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.31 — East Colorado Specific Plan 2022
- Chapter 17.32 — East Pasadena Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.33 — Fair Oaks-Orange Grove Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.34 — North Lake Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.35 — South Fair Oaks Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.36 — West Gateway Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.37 — Lincoln Avenue Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.38 — Lamanda Park Specific Plan
- Chapter 17.39 — East Colorado Specific Plan 2003
- Chapter 17.40 — General Property Development and Use Standards
- Chapter 17.42 — Inclusionary Housing Requirements
- Chapter 17.43 — Density Bonus, Waivers and Incentives
- Chapter 17.44 — Landscaping
- Chapter 17.46 — Parking and Loading
- Chapter 17.48 — Signs
- Chapter 17.50 — Standards for Specific Land Uses
- Chapter 17.60 — Application Filing and Processing
- Chapter 17.61 — Permit Approval or Disapproval
- Article 2 — Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Sp…
- Chapter 17.62 — Historic Preservation
- Chapter 17.64 — Permit Implementation, Time Limits, and Extens…
- Chapter 17.66 — Development Agreements
- Chapter 17.68 — Specific Plans
- Chapter 17.70 — Administrative Responsibility
- Chapter 17.71 — Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots
- Chapter 17.72 — Appeals
- Chapter 17.74 — Amendments
- Chapter 17.76 — Public Hearings
- Chapter 17.78 — Enforcement
- Chapter 17.80 — Glossary of Specialized Terms and Land Use Types
- Title 18 — CABLE, VIDEO AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS