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Earlier editions: 2026-09

Title 5 — BUSINESS LICENSES AND REGULATIONS

Sacramento Municipal Code Ch. 5.06 Adult-Entertainment Businesses, Adult Performers and Figure Models

Sacramento Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Sacramento

Cite as: Sacramento Municipal Code Chapter 5.06 · Text as of 2026-10-04

5.06.010 Legislative purpose.

It is the purpose of this chapter to regulate adult-entertainment businesses in order to promote the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the citizens of the city. The provisions of this chapter have neither the purpose nor effect of imposing a limitation or restriction on the content of any communicative materials or communicative conduct, including adult-entertainment business products and adult entertainment communicative conduct. Similarly, it is not the intent or effect of this chapter to restrict or deny access by adults to adult entertainment business products or adult entertainment communicative conduct protected by the First Amendment, or to deny access by the distributors and exhibitors of adult entertainment business products or adult entertainment communicative conduct to their intended market or audience. It is neither the intent nor effect of this chapter to condone or legitimize the distribution of obscene material. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

Exceptions & meaning →

5.06.020 Definitions.

For the purpose of this chapter, the following words and phrases are defined as follows:

"Adult-entertainment business" means any of the following:

  1. "Adult arcade" means an establishment where, for any form of consideration, one or more still or motion picture machines, projectors or other image producing devices are maintained to show images to five or fewer persons per machine at any time, and where a substantial portion of the images so displayed are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matters depicting or describing specified sexual activities.

  2. "Adult bookstore, adult novelty store or adult video store" means a commercial establishment that, as one of its principal business purposes, offers for sale or rental for any form of consideration any one or more of the following:

a. Books, magazines, periodicals or other printed matter, or photographs, films, motion pictures, video cassettes or video reproductions, compact discs (CDS), slides or other visual representations that are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matters depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas; or

b. Instruments, devices or paraphernalia that are designed for use in connection with specified sexual activities.

The items described in subsections (a) and (b) shall be referred to collectively as "adult products."

A commercial establishment may have other principal business purposes that do not involve the offering for sale or rental of products depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas and still be categorized as adult bookstore, adult novelty store or adult video store so long as one of its principal business purposes is the offering for sale or rental for consideration of the specified products that are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matters depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.

  1. "Adult cabaret" means a nightclub, restaurant, or similar business establishment that: a. regularly features live performances that are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis upon the display of specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities; and/or b. regularly features persons who appear in a state of nudity.

  2. "Adult hotel/motel" means a hotel or motel or similar business establishment offering public accommodations for any form of consideration that, a. provides patrons with closed-circuit television transmissions, films, computer generated images, motion pictures, video cassettes, slides, compact discs (CDS) or other photographic reproductions a substantial portion of which are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis upon the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas; and b. rents, leases, or lets any room for less than a six hour period, or rents, leases, or lets any single room more than twice in a twenty four (24) hour period.

  3. "Adult motion picture theater" means a building or portion thereof or area, open or enclosed, used for the presentation of motion pictures or other images in which a substantial portion of the total presentation time is devoted to the presentation of motion pictures distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on matters depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities, for observation by patrons or customers.

  4. "Adult theater" means a theater, concert hall, auditorium or similar establishment that, for any form of consideration, regularly features live performances that are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on the display of specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities.

  5. "Modeling studio" means a business that provides, for pecuniary compensation, monetary or other consideration, hire or reward, figure models who display specified anatomical areas to be observed, drawn, sketched, photographed, painted, sculpted or otherwise depicted by persons paying such consideration. Modeling studio does not include schools maintained pursuant to standards set by the State Board of Education. Modeling studio further does not include a studio or similar facility owned, operated or maintained by an individual artist or group of artists, that does not provide, permit or make available specified sexual activities.

"Adult-entertainment business operator" (hereinafter "operator") means a person who supervises, inspects, directs, organizes, controls or in any other way is responsible for or in charge of the activities at an adult-entertainment business.

"Adult performer" means a person who engages in or participates in any live performance displaying specified anatomical areas or depicting or involving specified sexual activities in an adult-entertainment business.

"Bar" means any commercial establishment licensed by the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to serve any alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises.

"Chief of police" means the chief of police of the city of Sacramento or authorized representative.

"City Manager" means the city manager of the city of Sacramento or authorized representative.

"Distinguished or characterized by an emphasis upon" means and refers to the dominant or essential theme of the object described by such phrase. For instance, when the phrase refers to films "that are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis upon" the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas, the films so described are those whose dominant or predominant character and theme are the depiction of the enumerated sexual activities or anatomical areas. See Pringle v. City of Covina. 115 Cal.App.3. 151 (1981).

"Figure model" means any person who, for pecuniary compensation, consideration, hire or reward, displays specified anatomical areas in a modeling studio to be observed, sketched, painted, drawn, sculptured, photographed or otherwise depicted.

"Nudity" or "in a state of nudity" means the showing of the human male or female genitals, pubic area, anus or buttocks with less than a fully opaque covering, the showing of the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering below a horizontal line across the top of the areola at the areola's highest point, or the showing of the covered male genitals in a discernible turgid state.

"Operate an adult-entertainment business" means the supervising, inspecting, directing, organizing, controlling or in any other way being responsible for or in charge of activities at an adult-entertainment business.

"Permittee" means the person to whom an adult-entertainment business permit is issued.

"Person" means any individual, partnership, firm, association, joint stock company, corporation, limited liability company or combination of individuals of whatever form or character.

"Regularly features" with respect to an adult theater or adult cabaret means a regular and substantial course of conduct. The fact that live performances that are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis upon the display of specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities occur on two or more occasions within a thirty (30) day period; three or more occasions within a sixty (60) day period; or four or more occasions within one hundred and eighty (180) day period, shall to the extent permitted by law be deemed to be a regular and substantial course of conduct.

"Specified anatomical areas" shall include:

  1. Less than completely and opaquely covered a. human genitals or pubic region, including anus; b. buttocks and c. female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola; and

  2. Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered.

"Specified sexual activities" shall include the following:

  1. Actual or simulated intercourse, oral copulation, anal intercourse, oral anal copulation, bestiality, direct physical stimulation of genitals, flagellation or torture in the context of a sexual relationship, or the use of excretory functions in the context of a sexual relationship, and any of the following depicted sexually oriented acts or conduct: analingus, buggery, coprophagy, coprophilia, cunnilingus, fellatio, necrophilia, pederasty, pedophilia, piquerism, sapphism, zooerasty; or
    1. Clearly depicted human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation, arousal or tumescence; or
    1. Use of human or animal masturbation, sodomy, oral copulation, coitus, ejaculation; or
    1. Fondling or touching of nude human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, anus or female breasts; or,
    1. Masochism, erotic or sexually oriented torture, beating or the infliction of pain; or,
    1. Erotic or lewd touching, fondling or other contact with an animal by a human being; or,
    1. Human excretion, urination, menstruation, vaginal or anal irrigation. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)
Exceptions & meaning →

5.06.030 Permit required for operation of an adult-entertainment business providing…

It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in, conduct or carry on, or to permit to be engaged in, conducted or carried on, in or upon any premises the operation of an adult-entertainment business that provides live performances displaying specified anatomical areas or depicting or involving specified sexual activities unless the person first obtains and continues to maintain in full force and effect a permit (hereinafter "adult-entertainment business permit") from the city of Sacramento as required herein. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

5.06.040 Application for permit for an adult-entertainment business involving live performances.

A. Any person desiring to obtain an adult-entertainment business permit to operate an adult-entertainment business for which a permit is required pursuant to Section 5.06.030 shall apply to the chief of police on a form provided by the police department. Before submitting the application a non-refundable fee as established by resolution of the city council shall be paid to the department of finance to defray, in part, the cost of the investigation and report required by this chapter. The department of finance shall issue a receipt to the applicant showing that such permit application fee has been paid. The applicant shall provide the receipt or a copy thereof to the chief of police at the time of applying for a permit under this section.

B. The application to the chief of police shall set forth the following information:

  1. The full and true name and any other names of each person with an ownership interest in the adult-entertainment business and of each person who will operate the adult-entertainment business;

  2. The present address and telephone number and driver's license number, if any, of the applicant and any operator;

  3. The two previous addresses immediately prior to the present address of the applicant and any operator;

  4. Written proof that the applicant and any operator is at least eighteen (18) years of age;

  5. The height, weight, color of eyes and hair of the applicant and any operator;

  6. Five color portrait photographs at least 2" x 2" of the applicant and any operator;

  7. The business license or tax certificate history of the applicant and any operator, including whether the person while previously operating in this or another city, county or state under license, has had a license revoked or suspended, the reason(s) therefor, and the person's business activity or occupation subsequent to the suspension or revocation;

  8. All criminal convictions of any person with an ownership interest and any operator of offenses specified in Section 5.06.100 within five years of the date of application;

  9. The name and address of the lessor of the real property on which the business is to be conducted, and a copy of the lease agreement or other documentation to establish that the owner and/or landlord of the premises consents to the establishment of an adult-entertainment business on the premises;

  10. Detailed plans of the site and building as they will be operated; and

  11. Such other identification and information necessary to discover the truth of the matters specified in this section as required to be set forth in the application.

C. If the applicant is a corporation, the name of the corporation shall be set forth exactly as shown on its articles of incorporation, together with the names and residence addresses of each of the officers, directors and each stock-holder holding more than ten percent (10%) of the stock of the corporation. If the applicant is a partnership, the application shall set forth the name and the residence address of each of the partners, including limited partners. If one or more of the partners is a corporation, the provisions of this section pertaining to a corporate applicant apply.

D. The chief of police shall take fingerprints and additional photographs of the applicant and any operator, and shall confirm the height and weight of the applicant and any operator.

E. The application for a permit does not authorize conducting an adult-entertainment business until a permit has been granted. The issuance of a business operations tax certificate pursuant to Chapter 3.08 of this code shall not authorize conducting an adult-entertainment business until the necessary adult-entertainment business permit required by Section 5.06.030 has been lawfully granted. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

Exceptions & meaning →

5.06.050 Corporate applicants-Exemption.

The provisions of Section 5.06.040B(4), (5) and (7) and D. shall not apply to require any corporate applicant to provide such information as to the corporation; provided, however, that such information shall be provided for any operator. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

Exceptions & meaning →

5.06.060 Adult performer permits and figure model permits.

A. No person shall engage in or participate in any live performance depicting or displaying specified anatomical areas or involving specified sexual activities in an adult-entertainment business unless the person first obtains and continues in full force and effect an adult-entertainment business performer permit (hereinafter "adult performer permit") and complies with all requirements of this chapter and other applicable laws.

B. No person shall act as a figure model in a modeling studio unless the person first obtains and continues in full force and effect a figure model permit (hereinafter "figure model permit") and complies with all requirements of this chapter and other applicable laws.

C. The issuance of a business operations tax certificate pursuant to Chapter 3.08 of this code shall not authorize any person to perform any act for which an adult performer permit or figure model permit is required until the necessary permit has been lawfully approved. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

Exceptions & meaning →

5.06.070 Application for adult performer permit or figure model permit.

A. An application for an adult performer permit or figure model permit shall be made to the chief of police on a form provided by the city clerk. Prior to submitting an application a non-refundable fee as established by resolution of the city council shall be paid to the department of finance to defray, in part, the cost of investigation and report required by this chapter. The department of finance shall issue a receipt to the applicant showing that a permit application fee has been paid. The applicant shall provide the receipt or a copy thereof to the chief of police at the time of applying for a permit under this section.

B. The application to the chief of police shall set forth the following information:

  1. Name, residence address and telephone number of the applicant, and two previous addresses immediately prior to the present address;
    1. Driver's license number, if any, of the applicant;
    1. Applicant's height, weight, color of eyes and hair;
    1. Five color portrait photographs of the applicant at least 2" x 2";
    1. Written evidence that the applicant is at least eighteen (18) years of age;
  1. The name and address of the adult-entertainment business(es) where the applicant is to be employed or is to perform, if known, and the name of the owner(s) of the business(es);

  2. The names and address of any adult-entertainment businesses where the applicant previously engaged in or participated in live performances displaying specified anatomical areas or depicting or involving specified sexual activities or acted as a figure model;

  3. Whether the applicant has been convicted of any offense specified in Section 5.06.100 within five years of the date of application; and

  4. The adult performer or figure model permit or license history of the applicant; whether applicant has had a license revoked or suspended, the reason therefor and the applicant's business activity or occupation subsequent to the suspension or revocation.

C. The chief of police shall take fingerprints and a photograph of the applicant and shall confirm the information submitted. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

Exceptions & meaning →

5.06.080 Verification of application.

Every application for a permit under this chapter shall be verified as provided in Section 128.7 of the California Code of Civil Procedure for the verification of pleadings. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

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5.06.090 Investigation and recommendations-Temporary permit.

A. Upon receiving an application for an adult-entertainment business permit, the chief of police shall:

  1. Stamp the application as received on the date of receipt, and determine whether the application is complete. If the chief of police determines that the application is incomplete or has been completed improperly, the chief of police shall promptly notify the applicant of that fact and, on request of the applicant, grant the applicant an extension of time of ten (10) days or less to complete the application properly. The time period for granting or denying a permit shall be stayed during the period in which the applicant is granted an extension of time;

  2. Within ten (10) days of the date of filing of a complete application, refer the application to the building inspections division, the planning division and the fire department; and

  3. Within a reasonable period, not exceeding forty-five (45) days after the filing of a complete application, investigate the application and recommend approval or denial to the city manager. A failure to make a recommendation within the specified time period shall not be considered a recommendation for approval or denial.

B. Within ten (10) days of the date of filing of a complete application, and if the chief of police determines that (1) on the face of the application, there is no basis for denial of the permit under Section 5.06.100 due to prior criminal convictions, based solely upon the information provided by the applicant in the application; and (2) the location of the proposed adult-entertainment business conforms with all requirements of the Title 17, the city manager shall issue a temporary permit authorizing operation of the adult-entertainment business while the chief of police investigates the application and the city manager determines whether to issue or deny a regular permit.

C. The building inspections division, the planning division and the fire department shall inspect the premises and make separate recommendations to the city manager, within thirty (30) days after the filing of the completed application. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

Exceptions & meaning →

5.06.100 Issuance of permit for an adult-entertainment business.

A. The city manager shall act on the application for an adult-entertainment business permit within sixty days (60) days after the date of filing of a completed application, and shall issue a regular permit if all requirements for an adult-entertainment business described in this chapter are met, unless the city manager finds:

  1. That the operation as proposed by the applicant, if permitted, will not comply with all applicable laws, including, but not limited to, the Title 17 of this code and the locational requirements set forth therein, and the building, health, housing and fire codes of the city of Sacramento.

  2. That the applicant or any operator has been convicted of any of the following offenses or convicted of an offense without the State of California that would have constituted any of the following offenses if committed within the State of California: Sections 243.4, 261, 266a, 266b, 266d, 266e, 266f, 266g, 266h, 266i, 266j, 267, 288, 314.1, 314.2, 315, 316, 318, 653.22 or subdivisions (a), (b) and (d) of Section 647 of the California Penal Code; any offense requiring registration under provisions of either Section 290 of the California Penal Code or Section 11590 of the California Health and Safety Code; or any felony offense involving the possession, possession for sale, sale, transportation, furnishing, giving away, of a controlled substance specified in Section 11054, 11055, 11056,11057 or 11058 of the California Health and Safety Code, or as those sections may thereafter be amended or renumbered; provided, however, that the city manager shall issue a permit to any person convicted of any of the crimes described above if (a) the person is otherwise qualified for a permit; and (b) the longer of the following time periods has passed:

i. Five years from date of the conviction; or

ii. Five years from release from confinement; or

iii. Five years from formal release from probation period; or

iv. Five years from formal release from parole.

  1. That the applicant has knowingly made a material misrepresentation in the application;

  2. That the applicant or any operator has had a permit for an adult-entertainment business or adult-related establishment denied or revoked for cause by this city or any other city or county within the last five years;

  3. That the applicant or operator is not at least eighteen (18) years of age;

  4. That the applicant has not paid the required fee to the department of finance.

B. Notice of Decision. Not later than five days after the date of the decision of the city manager, notice of the decision shall be sent to the applicant postage prepaid at the address shown in the application and shall state whether the decision of the city manager was to grant or deny the permit.

C. Upon issuance of a temporary permit or a regular permit, or if the city manager neither grants nor denies the regular permit within sixty (60) days after the date a complete application is filed, the applicant may begin operating the adult-entertainment business for which the permit was sought, subject to strict compliance with the locational requirements of Title 17 of this code and the development and operational standards and requirements set forth in this chapter. Notwithstanding that applicant begins operating the adult-entertainment business under this section prior to the city manager's decision, the city manager may subsequently deny the application for a permit. In the event of a denial, the applicant shall cease operating the adult-entertainment business within ten (10) days unless the applicant timely appeals the decision denying the permit pursuant to Section 5.06.120. If a timely notice of appeal is filed, the applicant may continue operating the adult-entertainment business while the appeal is pending.

Exceptions & meaning →

5.06.110 Issuance of adult performer permit or figure model permit.

A. The chief of police shall act on the adult performer permit or figure model application within sixty (60) days after the filing of a complete application. Pending the decision on the application, the applicant who has filed a complete application shall be entitled to perform as an adult performer or figure model, and the chief of police shall issue a temporary permit for this purpose; provided that no temporary permit shall be issued to a person who has applied for, and had denied within the past one year, an adult performer permit or figure model permit.

B. The chief of police shall issue the permit if all requirements for the permit are met, unless the chief of police finds:

  1. That the applicant has been convicted of any of the following offenses or convicted of an offense without the State of California that would have constituted any of the following offenses if committed within the State of California: Sections 243.4, 261, 266a, 266b, 266d, 266e, 266f, 266g, 266h, 266i, 266j, 267, 288, 314.1, 314.2, 315, 316, 318, 653.22 or subdivisions (a), (b) or (d) of Section 647 of the California Penal Code; any offense requiring registration under provisions of either Section 290 of the California Penal Code or Section 11590 of the California Health and Safety Code; or any felony offense involving the possession, possession for sale, sale, transportation, furnishing, giving away, of a controlled substance specified in Section 11054, 11055, 11056, 11057 or 11058 of the California Health and Safety Code, or as those sections may hereafter be amended or renumbered; provided, however, that the chief of police shall issue a permit to any person convicted of any of the crimes described above if (a) the person is otherwise qualified for a permit; and (b) the longer of the following time periods has passed:

i. Five years from date of the conviction; or

ii. Five years from release from confinement; or

iii. Five years from formal release from probation period; or

iv. Five years from formal release from parole.

  1. That the applicant has knowingly made a material misrepresentation in the application.

  2. That the applicant has had an adult performer permit or figure model permit denied or revoked for cause by this city or any other city or county within the last five years.

  3. That the applicant is not at least eighteen (18) years of age.

  4. That the applicant has not paid the required fee to the department of finance.

B. Notice of Decision. The decision shall be in writing and mailed to the applicant postage prepaid, within five days after the chief of police's decision. If the permit is denied, the applicant shall cease activities as an adult performer or figure model within ten (10) days unless the applicant timely appeals the decision denying the permit pursuant to Section 5.06.120. If a timely notice of appeal is filed, the applicant may continue acting as an adult performer or figure model while the appeal is pending. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

Exceptions & meaning →

5.06.120 Administrative appeals: issuance or denial of permit

A. Adult-entertainment Business Permits. Any applicant aggrieved by the decision of the city manager relating to the issuance or denial of a permit for an adult-entertainment business may, within ten (10) days after the date of mailing of the decision to the applicant, appeal the decision to the city council by filing a written notice of appeal with the city clerk. Pending a decision on the appeal, and if a temporary permit has been issued, the appellant may continue to operate the adult-entertainment business. If an appeal is not filed within ten (10) days, the decision of the city manager shall be final.

B. Adult Performer Permits or Figure Model Permits. Any applicant aggrieved by the decision of the chief of police relating to the issuance or denial of any adult performer permit or figure model permit may, within ten (10) days after the date of mailing of the decision to the applicant, appeal the decision to the city council by filing a written notice of appeal with the city clerk. Pending a decision on the appeal, the appellant may continue to perform as an adult performer or figure model pursuant to the temporary permit. If an appeal is not filed within ten (10) days, the decision of the chief of police shall be final.

C. Hearing on Appeal. An appeal pursuant to subsection (A) or (B) shall be set for hearing by the council at a date not later than thirty (30) days after the filing of the notice of appeal. The notice of hearing shall be mailed to the applicant at least ten (10) days prior to the date set for the hearing. The council may continue its hearing on the appeal from time to time; provided, however, that the decision on the appeal shall issue no later than thirty (30) days after the original date set for hearing. The council shall hear all relevant evidence from competent persons relating to the granting or denial of the permit. It may return the matter to the city manager or chief of police for further information or further investigation. The council may affirm, reject or modify the decision of the city manager or chief of police.

D. Appointment of Hearing Examiner. The city council may employ the procedure specified in this code for the appointment of a hearing officer to hear and decide the appeal. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

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5.06.130 Term and renewal of adult-entertainment business permits.

A. An adult-entertainment business permit shall expire one year from the date of issuance of the permit, unless sooner suspended or revoked.

B. A permit that has not been suspended or revoked may be renewed for the period specified in Subsection (A) above on written application to the chief of police. Applications for renewal shall be acted on as provided in this chapter for permit applications. Before submitting the renewal application a non-refundable renewal fee as established by resolution of the city council shall be paid to the department of finance to defray, in part, the cost of reviewing the renewal application. The application shall be filed at least thirty (30) days but not more than sixty (60) days prior to the expiration date of the current valid permit. When a timely and complete application for renewal is filed, the expiration of the permit shall be stayed until a decision on the renewal application is issued. When the application for renewal is filed less than thirty (30) days before the expiration date, the expiration of the permit shall not be stayed.

C. An adult-entertainment business lawfully operating as a conforming use pursuant to an adult-entertainment business permit is not rendered a nonconforming use by the location, subsequent to the grant or renewal of the adult-entertainment business permit, of a use or a zone not consistent with the locational requirements set forth in Title 17 of this code, and a renewal application shall not be denied on that ground. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

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5.06.140 Term and renewal of adult performer permits and figure model permits.

A. An adult performer permit or figure model permit shall expire one year from the date of issuance of the permit, unless sooner suspended or revoked.

B. A permit that has not been suspended or revoked may be renewed for the period specified in Subsection (A) above on written application to the chief of police. Applications for renewal shall be acted on as provided in this chapter for permit applications. Before submitting the renewal application a non-refundable renewal fee as established by resolution of the city council shall be paid to the department of finance to defray, in part, the cost of reviewing the renewal application. The application shall be filed at least ten (10) days but not more than sixty (60) days prior to the expiration date of the current valid permit. When a timely and complete application for renewal is filed, the expiration of the permit shall be stayed until a decision on the renewal application is issued. When the application for renewal is filed less than ten (10) days before the expiration date, the expiration of the permit shall not be stayed. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

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5.06.150 Name and place of business-Change of location.

No person granted a permit for an adult-entertainment business shall operate the adult-entertainment business under any name or at any location not specified in the permit. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

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5.06.160 Suspension or revocation of adult-entertainment business permits, adult…

A. An adult-entertainment business permit may be suspended or revoked by the city manager in accordance with the procedures and standards of this section. An adult performer permit or figure model permit may be suspended or revoked by the chief of police in accordance with the procedures and standards of this section.

B. The city manager or chief of police shall hold a hearing prior to the suspension or revocation of a permit. On determining that grounds for permit suspension or revocation exist, the city manager or chief of police shall furnish written notice of the proposed suspension or revocation to the permittee. The notice shall set forth the time and place of a public hearing to be held prior to the suspension or revocation, the ground or grounds upon which the proposed suspension or revocation is based, the pertinent code sections, and a brief statement of the factual matters in support thereof. The notice shall be mailed, postage prepaid, addressed to the last known address of the permittee, or shall be delivered to the permittee personally, at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing.

C. Adult-Entertainment Business Permit. An adult-entertainment business permit required pursuant to Section 5.06.030 may be suspended or revoked or be subjected to other appropriate disciplinary action, if any of the following causes arises from the acts or omissions of the permittee, or an operator of the adult-entertainment business:

  1. The building, structure, equipment or location used by the adult-entertainment business fails to comply with all applicable building, fire, electrical, plumbing, health and zoning requirements of the city of Sacramento all applicable State and federal requirements of a similar nature that are customarily enforced by the city, and all provisions of these regulations and this code relating to adult-entertainment businesses, including the adult-entertainment business development and operational standards;

  2. The permittee has knowingly made any false, misleading or fraudulent statement of material facts in the application for a permit, or in any report or record required to be filed with the city;

  3. The permittee or operator of an adult-entertainment business has knowingly allowed or permitted, or has failed to make a reasonable effort to prevent the occurrence of any of the following on the premises of the adult-entertainment business:

a. Any act of unlawful sexual intercourse, sodomy, oral copulation or masturbation;

b. Use of the establishment as a place where unlawful solicitations for sexual intercourse, sodomy, oral copulation or masturbation occur;

c. Any conduct constituting a criminal offense that requires registration under Section 290 of the California Penal Code;

d. The occurrence of acts of lewdness, assignation, or prostitution, including any conduct constituting violations of Sections 315, 316 or 318, or subdivision (b) of Section 647 of the California Penal Code;

e. Any act constituting a violation of provisions in the California Penal Code relating to obscene matter or distribution of harmful matter to minors, including, but not limited to, Sections 311 through 313.4.

  1. Failure to abide by any disciplinary action previously imposed;

  2. Failure to comply with any of the requirements for operation of adult-entertainment businesses set forth in this chapter.

D. Adult Performer and Figure Model Permits. The chief of police may suspend or revoke an adult performer permit or figure model permit for conviction of any of the crimes specified in Section 5.06.110 or for engaging in one of the activities described in Section 5.06.160(C)(3) while on the premises of an adult-entertainment business.

E. After holding the hearing in accordance with the provisions of this section, if the city manager or chief of police finds and determines that there are grounds for disciplinary action, based upon the severity of the violation, the city manager or chief of police shall impose one of the following:

    1. A warning;
    1. Conditions upon the permit;
    1. Suspension of the permit for a specified period not to exceed six months;
    1. Revocation of the permit. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)
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5.06.170 Administrative appeals: suspension or revocation of permit.

A. Adult-Entertainment Business Permits. Any permittee aggrieved by the decision of the city manager relating to the suspension or revocation of an adult-entertainment business permit, or other discipline imposed, may within ten (10) days after the date of mailing of the decision to the permittee, appeal to the city council by filing a written notice of appeal with the city clerk. If an appeal is not filed within ten (10) days, the decision of the city manager shall be final. If a timely notice of appeal is filed, the decision of the city manager shall be stayed until the decision on appeal is issued. No fee shall be charged for an appeal.

B. Adult Performer or Figure Model Permits. Any permittee aggrieved by the decision of the chief of police relating to the suspension or revocation of, or the imposition of a condition or restriction upon, any adult performer or figure model permit may, within ten (10) days after the date of mailing of the decision to the permittee, appeal the decision to the city council by filing a written notice of appeal with the city clerk. If an appeal is not filed within ten (10) days, the decision of the chief of police shall be final. If a timely notice of appeal is filed, the decision of the chief of police shall be stayed until the decision on appeal is issued. No fee shall be charged for an appeal.

C. Hearing on Appeal. An appeal pursuant to subsection (A) or (B) shall be set for hearing by the council at a date not later than thirty (30) days after the filing of the notice of appeal. The notice of hearing shall be mailed to the applicant at least ten (10) days prior to the date set for the hearing: The council may continue its hearing on such appeal from time to time provided, however, that the decision on the appeal shall issue no later than thirty (30) days after the original date set for hearing. The council shall hear all relevant evidence from competent persons relating to suspension or revocation of, or other discipline imposed upon, the permit. It may return the matter to the city manager or chief of police for further information or further investigation. The council may affirm, reject or modify the decision of the city manager or chief of police.

D. Appointment of Hearing Examiner. The city council may employ the procedure specified in this code for the appointment of a hearing officer to hear and decide the appeal. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

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5.06.180 Judicial review-Stay pending trial court decision.

A. General. Judicial review of any final administrative decision after appeal under this chapter issuing, denying, suspending or revoking, or imposing other discipline upon, an adult-entertainment business permit, adult performer permit or figure model permit may be had pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.8. The city clerk shall provide written notice of the time limits referenced in Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.8 to the appellant when transmitting the decision.

B. Stay Pending Expiration of Period for Filing a Judicial Challenge. A final administrative decision issuing, denying, suspending or revoking, or imposing other discipline upon, an adult-entertainment business permit, adult performer permit or figure model permit, whether temporary or regular, shall be stayed for a period of twenty-one (21) days after the decision becomes final, and the adult-entertainment business, adult performer or figure model shall be entitled to operate pursuant to the permit during the twenty-one (21) day time period.

C. Stay Pending Court Decision on Judicial Challenge. Upon the timely filing of a request for judicial review pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Sec. 1094.6 or 1094.8, the administrative decision issuing, denying, suspending or revoking, or imposing other discipline upon an adult-entertainment business permit, adult performer permit or figure model permit, whether temporary or regular, shall be stayed until the request for judicial review is dismissed or until a decision on the merits is issued by the trial court. The adult-entertainment business, adult performer or figure model shall be entitled to operate during the stay. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

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5.06.190 Register of adult performers and figure models.

A. The operator of a modeling studio shall maintain on the premises a register of all persons employed as or acting as figure models and their permit numbers.

B. The operator of an adult-entertainment business that provides live entertainment depicting or displaying specified anatomical areas or involving specified sexual activities shall maintain a register on the premises of all persons performing on the premises and their permit numbers.

C. The register required by subsections (A) and (B) shall include models and performers then modeling or performing on the premises as well as all models and performers who have modeled or performed on the premises during the previous six months. The register shall remain confidential, except that it shall be available for inspection by law enforcement personnel or the county health officer immediately upon demand at all times during regular business hours. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

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5.06.200 Adult performer and figure model identification card.

The chief of police shall provide to each adult performer and figure model granted a temporary or regular permit an identification card containing the name, photograph and permit number of the adult performer or figure model. The identification card shall remain confidential, except that an adult performer or figure model shall deposit his or her identification card with the on-site manager of an adult-entertainment business while the adult performer or figure model is working on the premises. The on-site manager shall make the identification cards available for inspection by law enforcement personnel or the county health officer at all times while the adult-entertainment business is open for business. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

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5.06.210 Employment of persons under the age of eighteen (18) years prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for the permittee or operator of an adult-entertainment business to employ, or permit to perform services or entertainment on the premises, any person who is under the age of eighteen (18) years. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

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5.06.220 Display of permit.

Every adult-entertainment business granted a permit shall display the permit in a conspicuous place within the adult-entertainment business at all times during business hours. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

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5.06.230 Business operations tax.

Nothing in this title shall relieve the owner of any adult-entertainment business, or any adult performer or any figure model, from paying the applicable business operations tax pursuant to Chapter 3.08 this code. The issuance of a business operations tax certificate shall not authorize conducting an adult-entertainment business, or performing as an adult performer in an adult-entertainment business, or acting as a figure model in a modeling studio, until the necessary temporary or regular permit required by Sections 5.06.030 or 5.06.060 has been lawfully granted (Ord. 2001-040 § 2).

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5.06.240 Transfer of adult-entertainment business permit.

A. Upon sale, transfer or relocation of an adult-entertainment business, the permit therefor shall be void unless permission to transfer is first obtained pursuant to this section; provided, however, that upon the death or incapacity of the permittee, the establishment may continue in business for a reasonable period of time to allow for an orderly transfer of the permit pursuant to this section. Any attempt to transfer a permit either directly or indirectly in violation of this section is hereby declared void, and upon such attempt the permit shall be deemed revoked.

B. No adult-entertainment business permit shall be transferable as to location or person, except with the written consent of the city manager. An application for transfer shall be in writing and contain the same information required for an initial permit application. Prior to submitting the application to the chief of police, the applicant shall pay a non-refundable fee, established by resolution of the city council, to the department of finance. The department of finance shall issue a receipt to the applicant showing that the permit transfer application fee has been paid. The applicant shall provide the receipt or a copy thereof to the chief of police with the permit transfer application.

C. No adult-entertainment business permit may be transferred after the city manager has notified the permittee that the permit has been or may be suspended or revoked.

D. An application to transfer shall be approved if the city manager determines that the transferee would be entitled to the issuance of an adult-entertainment business permit under this chapter; provided, however, that an application for transfer at the same location shall not be denied if the only ground for denial is that the location of the business no longer meets the locational criteria set forth in the Title 17. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

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5.06.250 Employment of adult performer and figure models.

A. No permittee or operator of a modeling studio shall allow or permit a person to act as a figure model for the studio unless the person possesses a valid figure model permit under the provisions of this chapter. It shall be the responsibility of the permittee and the operator to ensure that each person employed or acting as a figure model shall have first obtained a valid permit pursuant to this chapter.

B. No permittee or operator of an adult-entertainment business shall employ and/or allow any person to engage in or participate in any live performance displaying or depicting specified anatomical areas or involving specified sexual activities unless that person possesses a valid adult performer permit under the provisions of this chapter. It shall be the responsibility of the permittee and the operator to ensure that each person acting as an adult performer shall have first obtained a valid permit pursuant to this chapter and shall comply with all other requirements of this chapter.

C. No permittee or operator of an adult-entertainment business shall employ at an adult-entertainment business, or permit to provide services or entertainment at an adult-entertainment business, any person who has been convicted of an offense specified in Section 5.06.1l0B, where the offense occurred at any adult-related establishment or any adult-entertainment business owned, controlled or operated by the permittee or operator. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

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5.06.260 Development standards.

The following development standards and requirements shall apply to adult-entertainment businesses, including those providing live entertainment depicting or displaying specified anatomical areas or involving specified sexual activities:

A. Maximum occupancy load, fire exits, aisles and fire equipment shall be regulated, designed and provided in accordance with the fire department and building regulations and standards adopted by the city.

B. No adult-entertainment business shall be operated in any manner that permits the observation of any material or activities depicting, displaying, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas from any public way or from any location outside the building or area of such establishment. This provision shall apply to any display, decoration, sign, show window or other opening. No exterior door or window on the premises shall be propped or kept open at any time while the business is open, and any exterior windows shall be covered with opaque covering at all times.

C. All off-street parking areas and premises entries of the adult-entertainment business shall be illuminated from dusk to closing hours of operation with a lighting system that provides an average maintained horizontal illumination of one foot candle of light on the parking surface and/or walkways. The required lighting level is established in order to provide sufficient illumination of the parking areas and walkways serving the sexually-oriented business for the personal safety of patrons and employees and to reduce the incidence of vandalism and criminal conduct. The lighting shall be shown on the required sketch or diagram of the premises.

D. The premises within which the adult-entertainment business is located shall provide sufficient sound-absorbing insulation so that noise generated inside the premises shall not be audible anywhere on any adjacent property or public right-of-way or within any other building or other separate unit within the same building.

E. The building entrance to an adult-entertainment business shall be clearly and legibly posted with a notice indicating that persons under eighteen (18) years of age are precluded from entering the premises. Said notice shall be constructed and posted to the satisfaction of the city manager.

F. All indoor areas of the adult-entertainment business within which patrons are permitted, except restrooms, shall be open to view by the management at all times.

G. Any adult-entertainment business that is an "adult arcade" shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 5.96 of the this code, as it currently exists or as it may be amended from time to time.

H. All interior areas of an adult-entertainment business other than an adult arcade shall be illuminated at a minimum of the following foot-candles, minimally maintained and evenly distributed at ground level:

Area Foot-Candles
Bookstores and other retail establishments 20
Theaters and cabarets 5 (except during performances)
Motels/Hotels 20 (in public areas)
Modeling studios 20

I. The adult-entertainment business shall provide and maintain a male restroom facility to be used by male patrons, employees and adult performers, and a female restroom facility to be used by female patrons, employees and adult performers. Male patrons, employees and adult performers shall be prohibited from using the restroom(s) for females and female patrons, employees and adult performers shall be prohibited from using the restroom(s) for males, except to carry out duties of repair, maintenance and cleaning of the restroom facilities. The restrooms shall be free from any adult products. Restrooms shall not contain television monitors or other motion picture or video projection, recording or reproduction equipment. The foregoing provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to an adult-entertainment business that deals exclusively with sale or rental of adult products that are not used or consumed on the premises, such as an adult bookstore, adult novelty store, or adult video store, and that does not provide restroom facilities for its patrons or the general public. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

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5.06.270 Adult-entertainment businesses providing live entertainment.

The following additional requirements shall pertain to adult-entertainment businesses providing live entertainment depicting or displaying or involving specified anatomical areas or involving specified sexual activities:

A. The adult-entertainment business shall provide separate dressing room facilities for adult performers that are exclusively dedicated to the adult performers' use, and to which no patron shall be admitted.

B. The adult-entertainment business shall provide an entrance/exit for adult performers that is separate from the entrance/exit used by patrons.

C. No adult performer, either before, during or after performances, shall fondle or caress any patron and no patron shall fondle or caress any adult performer either before, during or after performances by the adult performer. This subsection shall only apply to physical contact on the premises of the adult-entertainment business. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

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5.06.280 Management and security requirements.

A. There shall be present on the premises of an adult-entertainment business at all times while the business is open a manager who shall be in charge of all of the activities on the premises and who shall be responsible to ensure compliance with all requirements set forth in this chapter.

B. An adult-entertainment business shall employ security guards in order to maintain the public peace and safety, based upon the following standards:

  1. An adult-entertainment business featuring live entertainment shall provide at least one security guard at all times while the business is open. If the number of persons on the premises exceeds fifty (50) persons, an additional security guard shall be on duty.

  2. Security guard(s) shall be charged with preventing violations of law and enforcing patrons' compliance with the requirements of this chapter. Security guards shall be uniformed in such a manner so as to be readily identifiable as a security guard by the public and shall be duly licensed as a security guard as required by applicable provisions of state law. No security guard required pursuant to this subsection shall act as a manager, door person, ticket seller, ticket taker, admittance person or perform any duties other than surveillance of the premises, the adult performers, and the patrons to prevent violations of law and enforce compliance with the requirements of this chapter while acting as a security guard. Security guards shall report any violation of law immediately to the responsible manager on the premises at the time the violation or threatened violation occurs, and shall prepare a written report outlining the violation or threatened violation observed. Copies of all written reports required by this section shall be maintained on the premises along with the register of adult performers required by Section 5.06.190, and shall be available for inspection by law enforcement personnel at all times during regular business hours. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

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5.06.290 Persons under the age of eighteen (18) years prohibited on premises of adult-entertainment business.

It shall be unlawful for the permittee or operator of an adult-entertainment business to permit to enter, or remain within, the adult-entertainment business, any person who is under the age of eighteen (18) years. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

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5.06.300 Violation of Section 5.06.270 not a crime.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Title I of this code, no criminal penalty shall be imposed on any person or entity for violating the provisions of Section 5.06.270. Violators of Section 5.06.270 shall be subject to administrative penalties as described in Title I and revocation or suspension of an adult-entertainment business permit and/or adult performer permit. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

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5.06.310 Conditions of adult-entertainment business permit.

The requirements set forth in this chapter shall be deemed conditions imposed upon every adult-entertainment business permit approved, and failure to comply with every such requirement shall be grounds for suspension or revocation of the permit issued pursuant to these regulations. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

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5.06.320 Applicability to existing adult-entertainment businesses, adult performers and figure models.

A. General. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all adult-entertainment businesses, and all owners or operators thereof, and all adult performers and figure models, whether such business or activity was in operation before or after the effective date of this chapter; provided, however, that all such businesses, and all owners or operators thereof, and persons shall have one hundred eighty (180) days from the effective date of this chapter to comply with the provisions of this chapter and adult performers and figure models shall have sixty (60) days from the effective date of this chapter to comply with provisions of this chapter. Any person who has filed a timely application for a permit within said time limit shall not be subject to the provisions of this chapter relating to possession or display of a permit until a permit is issued or denied.

Exception. Temporary exemption from permit requirements for lawfully existing adult-entertainment businesses with adult-related establishment permit: The owner(s) and operator(s) of lawfully existing adult-entertainment businesses providing live entertainment depicting or displaying specified anatomical areas or involving specified sexual activities that were lawfully established on the effective date of this chapter shall not be required to obtain an adult-entertainment business permit pursuant to Section 5.06.030 of this chapter within one hundred eighty (180) days, if the owner(s) and operator(s) have an adult-related establishment permit for the facility pursuant to Chapter 5.04 as it existed prior to the effective date of this chapter; and provided further that the owner(s) and operator(s) shall obtain a permit pursuant to this chapter prior to the date on which the adult-related establishment permit expires or would have expired.

B. Variance from Separate Entrance/Exit Requirements. The chief of police may authorize a variance from the separate entrance/exit requirements of Section 5.06.270(B) for an adult-entertainment business lawfully existing on the effective date of this chapter if the chief finds that the alternative method of separation and/or entrance and exit provides adequate safety for adult performers entering or exiting the premises. The chief of police shall make a decision on the variance within thirty (30) days after the owner or operator of the business submits a written request for variance describing in detail the variance requested.

C. Failure to Obtain Permits-Violation of Chapter. Failure to apply for and obtain a permit within the time period specified in Subsection A and thereafter continuing to operate an adult-entertainment business for which a permit is required pursuant to Section 5.06.030 without a permit shall constitute a violation of this chapter. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

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5.06.330 Severability.

If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase in this chapter or any part thereof is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid or ineffective by any court of competent jurisdiction, that decision shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of the remaining portions of this chapter or any part thereof. The city council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared unconstitutional, or invalid, or ineffective.

In particular, the city council hereby declares that it would have adopted the development and operational provisions of this chapter, even in the absence of the permit issuance provisions of this chapter. Further, the city council hereby declares that it would have adopted the permit issuance provisions relating to adult performers even in the absence of the permit issuance provisions for adult-entertainment businesses. In the event a court of competent jurisdiction renders a decision invalidating any permit issuance provisions contained herein, any adult-entertainment business that operates in the city shall be deemed to be operating under a de facto permit subject to all requirements of this chapter that have not been invalidated. (Ord. 2001-040 § 2)

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