Chapter 5.04 — GENERAL LICENSING PROVISIONS AND TAXES
Signal Hill Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-10-02 · Signal Hill
Sections:
5.04.010 Definitions.
5.04.020 Revenue purpose.
5.04.030 Compliance with additional regulations.
5.04.040 Effect on other provisions.
5.04.050 Tax and license required.
5.04.060 Applicability to individuals.
5.04.070 Separate licenses required for branch establishments.
5.04.080 Separate businesses--License and tax computation.
5.04.090 Establishments extending across city boundaries--Tax computation.
5.04.100 Computation of number of employees.
5.04.110 Exemptions--Constitutional and statutory.
5.04.120 Exemptions--Interstate commerce.
5.04.130 Exemptions--Nonprofit enterprises.
5.04.140 Exemptions--Disabled veterans.
5.04.150 Exemptions--Statement filing.
5.04.160 Application and license contents.
5.04.170 Initial application.
5.04.180 Renewal application.
5.04.190 Application verification and investigation.
5.04.200 Application information confidential.
5.04.210 Assessment determined by tax collector.
5.04.220 Appeals.
5.04.230 Additional powers of tax collector.
5.04.240 License--Nontransferable--Exceptions.
5.04.250 License--Duplicates.
5.04.260 License--Display.
5.04.270 License--Identification tags for devices and machines.
5.04.280 Taxes--Payment due dates.
5.04.290 Taxes--Penalties for delinquencies.
5.04.300 Taxes--Deemed debt to city.
5.04.310 Remedies cumulative.
5.04.320 Promulgation of administrative rules.
5.04.330 Enforcement authority.
5.04.340 Penalty for violation.
5.04.350 Advertising businesses.
5.04.360 Amusements--Vending machines--Kindred operations.
5.04.370 Auctions, auctioneers, and pawnbrokers.
5.04.380 Automobile wreckers.
5.04.390 Circuses and carnival parades.
5.04.400 Coin-operated vending machine rentals or leasing businesses.
5.04.410 Contractors and subcontractors.
5.04.420 Drive-in theaters.
5.04.430 Golf courses, archery ranges, and kindred enterprises.
5.04.435 Off-site hazardous waste management facility and latex splash water treatment facility.
5.04.440 Hospitals.
5.04.450 Junk dealers.
5.04.460 Lectures, theatrical performances, and concerts.
5.04.470 Liquidation and kindred sales.
5.04.480 Manufacturers and processors.
5.04.490 Motels, hotels, and auto courts.
5.04.500 Motion picture theaters.
5.04.510 Motor vehicle rentals.
5.04.520 Peddlers and solicitors.
5.04.530 Professional and semiprofessional businesses.
5.04.540 Retail agents and delivery vehicles.
5.04.550 Retail and wholesale sales and services--Businesses not otherwise designated.
5.04.560 Stables and riding academies.
5.04.570 Taxi drivers.
5.04.580 Taxi services.
5.04.590 Trailer parks.
5.04.600 Trained animal shows.
5.04.610 Transporters of personal property.
5.04.620 Wholesale agents.
5.04.010 Definitions.¶
For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply: A. "Business" includes professions, trades, and occupations and all and every kind of calling whether or not carried on for profit. B. "Tax collector" means the officer or person appointed by the city council by resolution or ordinance to perform the duties of tax collector as set forth in this chapter. (Prior code § 5.04.010 (Ord. 494 § 1, 1960))
5.04.020 Revenue purpose.¶
This chapter is enacted solely to raise revenue for municipal purposes, and is not intended for regulation. (Prior code § 5.04.020 (Ord. 494 § 2, 1960))
5.04.030 Compliance with additional regulations.¶
Persons who are required to pay a license tax for transacting and carrying on any business under this chapter shall not be relieved from the payment of any license tax for the privilege of doing such business required under any other ordinance of the city and shall remain subject to the regulatory provisions of other ordinances. No license shall be issued under this chapter for the conduct of any trade, business, or calling for which a permit or other approval of the city council is required pursuant to the provisions of any other ordinance, unless and until the required permit for approval has been obtained. (Prior code § 5.04.030 (Ord. 494 § 3, 1960))
5.04.040 Effect on other provisions.¶
A. Neither the adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter nor the repeal by it of any portion of any existing ordinance of the city shall be construed to in any manner excuse or relieve from prosecution the violation of any ordinance committed prior to the effective date hereof. B. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed as releasing any person from payment of any tax due under the provisions of any other ordinance of the city, nor to affect the validity of any bond or cash deposit required by any ordinance to be posted, filed, or deposited with any officer of the city; and all rights and obligations thereunto appertaining shall continue in full force and effect. (Prior code § 5.04.040 (Ord. 494 § 4, 1960))
5.04.050 Tax and license required.¶
A. There are imposed upon the businesses, trades, professions, callings and occupations specified in this chapter license taxes in the amounts prescribed in this chapter. B. It is unlawful for any person to transact and carry on any business, trade, profession, calling or occupation in the city without first having procured a license from the city to do so or without first complying with any and all applicable provisions of this chapter. C. This section shall not be construed as requiring any person to obtain a license prior to doing business within the city if such requirement conflicts with applicable statutes of the United States or of the state of California. However, persons not required to obtain a license prior to doing business within the city because of conflict with applicable statutes of the United States or of the state of California shall be liable for payment of the tax imposed by this chapter. (Prior code § 5.04.050 (Ord. 494 § 5, 1960))
5.04.060 Applicability to individuals.¶
Every person engaging in or carrying on any business, profession, occupation, trade or calling in this city in any capacity other than as the employee of another with wages as his sole compensation must obtain the license and pay the license tax provided therefor under the provisions of this chapter. (Prior code § 5.08.010 (Ord. 494 § 40, 1960))
5.04.070 Separate licenses required for branch establishments.¶
A separate license must be obtained for each branch establishment or location of the business transacted and carried on which is located in the city, and each license shall authorize the licensee to transact and carry on only the business licensed thereby at the location or in the manner designated in such license; provided, that warehouses and distributing plants used in connection with and incidental to a business licensed under the provisions of this chapter shall not be deemed to be separate places of business or branch establishments. (Prior code § 5.04.060 (Ord. 494 § 6, 1960))
5.04.080 Separate businesses--License and tax computation.¶
If two or more businesses or professions are conducted on the same premises by the same person, the license to be obtained by such person and the tax to be paid on account thereof shall be as follows: A. If all of such businesses are subject to a license tax computed on the basis of the number of employees, only one license shall be required which shall be the license applicable to the business which constitutes more than fifty percent of the dollar volume of the total business conducted at the location. B. If all of such businesses are subject to license taxes for which a flat amount is specified in this chapter, separate licenses shall be issued for each business but the amount of the license tax for all thereof shall be the highest tax applicable to any one of such businesses plus fifty percent of the license tax applicable to each of the other businesses. C. If one or more of such businesses is subject to a license tax based upon the number of employees and one or more of the other businesses is not, a separate license must be obtained for the business or businesses as to which the license tax based upon the number of employees is applicable and, if there is more than one such business, the tax shall be determined as provided in subsection A of this section. A separate license shall be obtained for each of the other businesses, and, if there is more than one such business, the tax shall be determined as provided in subsection B of this section. (Prior code § 5.04.070 (Ord. 494 § 7, 1960))
5.04.090 Establishments extending across city boundaries--Tax computation.¶
If a business is conducted upon or from an establishment which is located upon property which lies partly within the city and extends across the city boundary line, the license tax with respect to the business shall be reduced by an amount which the tax collector determines is equal to the same proportion of the total tax, computed as if the whole establishment were within the city, that the value of the portion of the establishment located outside the city bears to the value of the entire establishment; provided, however, that this provision shall not be applicable unless the tax collector determines that at least ten percent of the establishment, on the basis of value, is located outside of the city. (Prior code § 5.04.080 (Ord. 551, 1963: Ord. 494 § 7.5, 1960))
5.04.100 Computation of number of employees.¶
In those instances in which the license tax provided in this chapter is based upon the number of employees of the licensee or the applicant for the license, the number of employees upon which the tax is to be based shall be the average number of employees who during the preceding calendar year worked in an establishment of the licensee within the city, or who used to a substantial extent an office, plant or other establishment within the city as his headquarters. The average number shall be determined by adding together the totals of the names listed upon each of the employer's reports to the State Department of Employment filed during the preceding calendar year and dividing said sum by the number of such reports from which the names were taken. (Prior code § 5.04.090 (Ord. 494 § 8, 1960))
5.04.110 Exemptions--Constitutional and statutory.¶
Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed or construed to apply to any person transacting and carrying on any business exempt by virtue of the Constitution or applicable statutes of the United States or of the state of California from the payment of such taxes as are prescribed in this chapter. (Prior code § 5.04.100(A) (Ord. 494 § 9(a), 1960))
5.04.120 Exemptions--Interstate commerce.¶
A. None of the license taxes provided for by this chapter shall be so applied as to occasion an undue burden upon interstate commerce. In any case where a license tax is believed by a licensee or applicant for license to place an undue burden upon such commerce, he may apply to the tax collector for an adjustment of the tax so that it shall not be discriminatory or unreasonable as to such commerce.
B. Such application may be made before, at, or within six months after payment of the prescribed license tax. The applicant shall, by affidavit and supporting testimony, show his method of business and the gross volume or estimated gross volume of business and such other information as the tax collector may deem necessary in order to determine the extent, if any, of such undue burden on such commerce. C. The tax collector shall then conduct an investigation, and after first having obtained the written approval of the city attorney shall fix as the license tax for the applicant an amount that is reasonable and nondiscriminatory or, if the license tax has already been paid, shall order a refund of the amount over and above the license tax so fixed. D. In fixing the license tax to be charged, the tax collector shall have the power to base the license tax upon a percentage of gross receipts or any other measure which will assure that the license tax assessed shall be uniform with that assessed on businesses of like nature, so long as the amount assessed does not exceed the license tax as prescribed by this chapter. E. Should the tax collector determine the gross receipts measure of license tax to be the proper basis, he may require the applicant to submit, either at the time of termination of applicant's business in the city or at the end of each three-month period, a sworn statement of the gross receipts and pay the amount of license tax therefor; provided that no additional license tax during any one calendar year shall be required after the licensee has paid an amount equal to the annual license tax as prescribed in this chapter. (Prior code § 5.04.100(B) (Ord. 494 § 9(b), 1960))
5.04.130 Exemptions--Nonprofit enterprises.¶
The provisions of this ordinance shall not be deemed or construed to require the payment of a license tax to conduct, manage, or carry on any business, occupation, or activity from any institution or organization which is conducted, managed, or carried on wholly for the benefit of charitable purposes or from which profit is not derived, either directly or indirectly, by any individual; nor shall any license tax be required for the conducting of any entertainment, concert, exhibition, or lecture on scientific, historical, literary, religious, or moral subjects within the city whenever the receipts of any such entertainment, concert, exhibition, or lecture are to be appropriated to any church or school or to any religious or benevolent purpose; nor shall any license tax be required for the conducting of any entertainment, dance, concert, exhibition, or lecture by any religious, charitable, fraternal, educational, military, state, county, or municipal organization or association whenever the receipts of any such entertainment, dance, concert, exhibition, or lecture are to be appropriated for the purpose and objects for which such organization or association was formed and from which profit is not derived, either directly or indirectly, by any individual; provided, however, that nothing in this section shall be deemed to exempt any such organization or association from complying with any of the provisions of this chapter requiring a permit from the city council or any commission or officer to conduct, manage, or carry on any profession, trade, calling, or occupation. (Prior code § 5.04.100(F) (Ord. 494 § 9(f), 1960))
5.04.140 Exemptions--Disabled veterans.¶
No license tax payable under this chapter shall be payable by any person who has received an honorable discharge or release from active duty in one of the United States armed services, who is physically unable to obtain a livelihood by manual labor, and who is a voter of this state. (Prior code § 5.04.100(G) (Ord. 494 § 9(g), 1960))
5.04.150 Exemptions--Statement filing.¶
A. Any person claiming an exemption pursuant to Sections 5.04.110 through 5.04.140 shall file a verified statement with the tax collector stating the facts upon which the exemption is claimed. B. The tax collector shall, upon a proper showing contained in the verified statement, issue a license to such person claiming exemption under Sections 5.04.110 through 5.04.140 without payment to the city of the license tax required by this chapter. C. The tax collector, after giving notice and a reasonable opportunity for hearing to a licensee, may revoke any license granted pursuant to the provisions of Sections 5.04.110 through 5.04.140 upon information that the license is not entitled to the exemption as provided in this chapter. (Prior code § 5.04.100(C--E) (Ord. 494 § 9(c)--(e), 1960))
5.04.160 Application and license contents.¶
A. Every person required to have a license under the provisions of this chapter shall make application for the same to the tax collector of the city. B. If the application is sufficient in form and content, the tax collector shall issue to such person a license which shall contain the following:
The name of the person to whom the license is issued;
A description of the business licensed;
The place where such business is to be transacted and carried on;
The date of the expiration of such license;
Such other information as may be necessary to the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter. C. In all cases in which the license tax is payable in advance, the tax collector shall not issue the license until the tax is paid. (Prior code § 5.04.110 (Ord. 533 § 1 (part), 1962: Ord. 494 § 10(a), 1960))
5.04.170 Initial application.¶
No license provided for in this chapter shall be initially issued to any person unless such person has filed with the tax collector a written application upon a form to be provided by the tax collector, signed under penalty of perjury or verified under oath before a person authorized to administer oaths by the applicant or a managing agent or officer of the applicant, wherein is set forth all information required by the tax collector in order to enable him to determine the proper license to be issued and the correct amount of the license tax payable therefor. (Prior code § 5.04.120 (Ord. 494 § 10(b), 1960))
5.04.180 Renewal application.¶
No license provided for in this chapter shall be renewed or reissued to any person unless such person has filed with the tax collector a written application upon a form to be provided by the tax collector, signed under penalty of perjury or verification under oath before a person authorized to administer oaths by the applicant or a managing agent or officer of the applicant, wherein is set forth all information required by the tax collector in order to enable him to determine the proper license to be issued and the correct amount of the license tax payable therefor. (Prior code § 5.04.130 (Ord. 494 § 10(c), 1960))
5.04.190 Application verification and investigation.¶
No statement contained in an application for a license or for a renewal of a license shall be conclusive as to the matters set forth therein, nor shall the filing of the same preclude the city from collecting by appropriate action such sum as is actually due and payable under this chapter. Such applications and each of the several items therein contained shall be subject to audit and verification by the tax collector, his deputies, or authorized employees of the city, who are authorized to examine, audit, and inspect such books and records of any licensee or applicant for a license, as may be necessary in their judgment to verify or ascertain the amount of license fee due. All licensees, applicants for licenses, and persons engaged in business in the city are required to permit an examination of such books and records for the purposes set forth in this section. (Prior code § 5.04.140(A) (Ord. 494 § 11(a), 1960))
5.04.200 Application information confidential.¶
The information furnished to or secured by the tax collector, his deputies, or other employees of the city pursuant to Sections 5.04.160 through 5.04.190 shall be confidential. Any disclosure or use of such information by any officer or employee of the city which is not reasonably and directly related to the enforcement or administration of this chapter is unauthorized and shall constitute a misdemeanor for which such officer or employee shall be subject to the penalty provisions of this chapter in addition to any other penalties provided by law. (Prior code § 5.04.140(B) (Ord. 494 § 11(b), 1960))
5.04.210 Assessment determined by tax collector.¶
A. If any person who is required by this chapter to obtain a license fails to file a complete and sufficient application therefor within the time prescribed, or if, after demand therefor made by the tax collector, he fails to file a corrected statement, the tax collector may determine the amount of license tax due from such person by means of such information as he may be able to obtain. B. If such a determination is made, the tax collector shall give a notice of the amount so assessed by serving it personally or by depositing it in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the person so assessed at his last known address. Such person may, within fifteen days after the mailing or serving of such notice, make application in writing to the tax collector for a hearing on the amount of the license tax. If such application is made, the tax collector shall cause the matter to be set for hearing before the city council within thirty days. The tax collector shall give at least ten days' notice to such person of the time and place of hearing in the manner prescribed in this section for serving notices of assessment. The council shall consider all evidence produced, and shall make findings thereon, which shall be final. Notice of such findings shall be served upon the applicant in the manner prescribed in this section for serving notices of assessment.
(Prior code § 5.04.150 (Ord. 494 § 12, 1960))
5.04.220 Appeals.¶
Any person aggrieved by any decision of the tax collector with respect to the issuance or refusal to issue such license may appeal to the council by filing a notice of appeal with the clerk of the council. The council shall thereupon fix a time and place for hearing such appeal. The clerk of the council shall give notice to such person of the time and place of hearing by serving it personally or by depositing it in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to such person at his last known address. The council shall have authority to determine all questions raised on such appeal. No such determination shall conflict with any substantive provisions of this chapter. (Prior code § 5.04.160 (Ord. 494 § 13, 1960))
5.04.230 Additional powers of tax collector.¶
In addition to all other powers conferred upon him, the tax collector shall have the power, for good cause shown, to extend the time for filing any required sworn statement for a period not to exceed thirty days, and in such case to waive any penalty that would otherwise have accrued; and shall have the further power, with the consent of the council, to compromise any claim as to amount of license tax due. (Prior code § 5.04.170 (Ord. 494 § 14, 1960))
5.04.240 License--Nontransferable--Exceptions.¶
No license issued pursuant to this chapter shall be transferable, except, however, that upon application therefor and payment of a fee of five dollars, such a license may be transferred as follows: A. To another entity which in respect to control and ultimate ownership is substantially the alter ego of the licensee; and B. To another location to which the business has been or is to be moved. (Prior code § 5.04.180 (Ord. 513, 1961: Ord. 494 § 15, 1960))
5.04.250 License--Duplicates.¶
A duplicate license may be issued by the tax collector to replace any license previously issued under this chapter which has been lost or destroyed upon the licensee filing a statement of such fact, and at the time of filing such statement paying to the tax collector a duplicate license fee of five dollars. (Prior code § 5.04.200 (Ord. 494 § 17, 1960))
5.04.260 License--Display.¶
All licenses must be kept and posted in the following manners: A. Any licensee transacting and carrying on business at a fixed place of business in the city shall keep the license posted in a conspicuous place upon the premises where such business is carried on. B. Any licensee transacting and carrying on business but not operating at a fixed place of business in the city shall keep the license upon his person at all times while transacting and carrying on such business. (Prior code § 5.04.210(a), (b) (Ord. 494 § 18(a), (b), 1960))
5.04.270 License--Identification tags for devices and machines.¶
The tax collector shall issue license identification tags with each license covering one or more coin-operated vending machines, amusement devices, music boxes, and weighing scales. Each tax shall show the number of the license with which it is issued, the date thereof, and the address where such machine is located and the fee paid, and one tag shall be securely affixed to each machine so as to be prominently displayed. Each tag shall apply only to the location for which it is issued. (Prior code § 5.04.210(c) (Ord. 494 § 18(c), 1960))
5.04.280 Taxes--Payment due dates.¶
Unless otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, all license taxes imposed by this chapter shall be due and payable as follows: A. Annual license taxes shall be due and payable in advance on the first day of January of each year; provided, however, that the annual license tax due for any business started subsequent to said date in any year shall be due and payable on the date such business is started; and provided, further, that if the date such business is started is on or after the first day of
July, the taxes for the remainder of the year shall be one-half of the annual tax prescribed for the business. B. Semiannual license taxes shall be due and payable in advance on the first day of January and the first day of July of each year; provided, however, that the tax due for any business started after the commencement of the semiannual periods shall be payable without proration on the date such business is started and shall cover the remainder of the semiannual period. C. Daily flat-rate license taxes shall be paid in advance and shall be delinquent if not paid before the close of business of the day prior to the date for which the license is required. (Prior code § 5.04.220 (Ord. 494 § 19, 1960))
5.04.290 Taxes--Penalties for delinquencies.¶
A. Annual and semiannual taxes shall become delinquent if not paid on the last day of the calendar month during which they become due and payable. B. If any license tax provided in this chapter is not paid before it becomes delinquent, a penalty equal to ten percent of the tax shall be added to the tax and become payable therewith on the first day of each calendar month during which the delinquency exists; provided, however, that the amount of such penalty to be added shall in no event exceed fifty percent of the license tax due. (Prior code § 5.04.230 (Ord. 494 § 20, 1960))
5.04.300 Taxes--Deemed debt to city.¶
The amount of any license tax and penalty imposed by the provisions of this ordinance shall be deemed a debt due the city. An action may be commenced in the name of the city in any court of competent jurisdiction, for the amount of any delinquent license tax and penalties. (Prior code § 5.04.260 (Ord. 494 § 23, 1960))
5.04.310 Remedies cumulative.¶
All remedies prescribed in this chapter are cumulative and the use of one or more remedies by the city shall not bar the use of any other remedy for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this chapter. (Prior code § 5.04.270 (Ord. 494 § 24, 1960))
5.04.320 Promulgation of administrative rules.¶
The city council shall have the right from time to time by resolution to adopt such administrative rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and policies of the city as are set forth in this chapter. (Prior code § 5.04.240 (Ord. 494 § 21, 1960))
5.04.330 Enforcement authority.¶
A. It shall be the duty of the tax collector and he is directed to enforce each and all of the provisions of this chapter; and the chief of police shall render such assistance in the enforcement of this chapter as may from time to time be required by the tax collector or the city council. B. The tax collector, in person or by his deputies or duly authorized assistants, shall examine or cause to be examined all places of business in the city to ascertain whether the provisions of this chapter have been complied with. C. The tax collector and each and all of his assistants and any police officer shall have the power and authority to enter, free of charge, and at any reasonable time, any place of business required to be licensed under this chapter and demand an exhibition of its license certificate. Any person having such license certificate theretofore issued, in his possession or under his control, who wilfully fails to exhibit the same on demand, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, subject to the penalties provided for by this chapter. D. It shall be the duty of the tax collector and each of his assistants to cause a complaint to be filed against any and all persons found to be violating any provisions of this chapter. (Prior code § 5.04.250 (Ord. 494 § 22, 1960))
5.04.340 Penalty for violation.¶
Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter or knowingly or intentionally misrepresenting to any officer or employee of the city any material fact in procuring a license provided for in this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable as set forth in Chapter 1.16.
(Ord. 586 § E (part), 1966: prior code § 5.04.280 (Ord. 494 § 25, 1960))
5.04.350 Advertising businesses.¶
Every person who in this city engages in the business of installing, maintaining, and operating outdoor advertising displays, advertising structures, billboards, advertising signs, painted signs or structures, or signboards shall pay an annual license tax determined as follows: A. If none of the facilities has a display area in excess of one hundred and twenty square feet, the license tax is seventy dollars, plus four dollars for each facility in excess of twenty; B. If any of the facilities has a display area in excess of one hundred and twenty square feet, the license tax is two hundred dollars, plus four dollars for each facility in excess of twenty; provided, that if the licensee maintains more than twenty facilities which have in excess of one hundred and twenty square feet of display area, the additional tax for each such structure in excess of twenty shall be ten dollars. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part); prior code § 5.08.060 (Ord. 504, 1961: Ord. 494 § 44, 1960))
5.04.360 Amusements--Vending machines--Kindred operations.¶
Every person conducting, managing or carrying on in this city any of the businesses enumerated in this section shall pay an annual license tax in the amount specified therefor. A. Bowling Alleys. Any public bowling alley or building, thirty dollars per year for each alley; B. Mechanical Devices and Ball Courts. Skee ball, bat ball, handball or shuffleboard court or any mechanical amusement device or any device, implement, or unit of equipment maintained for the recreational use of patrons and not operated by coins, sixty dollars per year for each court, device, implement or unit of equipment; C. Vending Machines. Vending machines delivering merchandise only, and having no amusement feature, ten dollars per year for each machine operated by coins of one-cent denomination and twenty dollars per year for each machine operated by coins of greater denomination; D. Weighing Devices. Weighing devices operated by insertion of one-cent coins, ten dollars per year; E. Coin-operated Amusements. Music boxes, pinball machines, marble boards or other similar devices which are of an amusement nature and which are operated by coins, sixty dollars per year for each such device or machine; F. Billiards and Pool. Billiard rooms and pool halls, seventy dollars per year for the first pool or billiard table, plus forty dollars per year for each additional pool or billiard table, and such license shall include the right to sell tobacco, confections, soft drinks and prepared foods; G. Skating Rinks. Ice or roller skating rinks, enclosures, or parks, two hundred eighty dollars per year; H. Other Coin-operated Devices. Any mechanical device or machine which operates upon the insertion of a coin and for which a license tax is not specifically provided elsewhere in this chapter, one hundred dollars per year for the first machine, plus fifty dollars per year for each additional machine. I. Shooting Galleries. Shooting galleries, two hundred eighty dollars per year; J. Dancehalls. Dancehalls or establishments of any kind which are open to the public and in which dancing by patrons is permitted, two hundred twenty dollars per year; provided, that if alcoholic beverages as defined by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act of California are dispensed at such place, the license tax shall be determined by the number of days dancing by patrons is permitted each week, as follows:
- One day or less per week, one hundred eighty dollars per year,
- Two days of any calendar week, three hundred sixty dollars per year,
- Three days of any calendar week, five hundred forty dollars per year,
- Four days of any calendar week, seven hundred twenty dollars per year,
- Five days of any calendar week, nine hundred dollars per year,
- Six or seven days of any calendar week, one thousand dollars per year; K. Arcades. Any arcade, four hundred dollars per year. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part); prior code § 5.08.090 (Ord. 65-2-574 § 1; Ord. 494 § 47, 1960))
5.04.370 Auctions, auctioneers, and pawnbrokers.¶
A. Auctioneers. Every person engaged in the business of auctioneer in this city shall pay a license tax of sixty dollars per day.
B. Auction Houses. Every person engaged in the business of maintaining, conducting, or carrying on an auction house in this city shall pay a license tax of three hundred dollars semiannually. C. Auction Yards and Pawnbrokers. Every person engaged in the business of conducting, maintaining, or carrying on an auction yard or pawnbroker business in the city shall pay an annual license tax of six hundred dollars. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part); prior code § 5.08.110 (Ord. 494 § 49, 1960))
5.04.380 Automobile wreckers.¶
Every person who in this city engages in the business of an automobile wrecker shall pay an annual license tax of three hundred dollars. An automobile wrecker is any person who has an established place of business in which he engages in the business of buying, selling, or dealing in automotive vehicles for the purpose of dismantling or wrecking the same and who buys or sells the integral parts and component materials thereof in whole or in part and deals in used motor vehicle parts. The activity included in an automotive wrecker's license shall include the repair of automobiles and the parts thereof and the buying and selling of used automobiles. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part); prior code § 5.08.120 (Ord. 494 § 50, 1960))
5.04.390 Circuses and carnival parades.¶
A. Every person conducting, managing or staging in this city a circus, carnival, or other similar exhibition shall pay a license tax of six hundred dollars for each day of public attendance plus two hundred dollars for each day of public attendance in each sideshow conducted in conjunction therewith. No additional tax shall be due if a parade is staged. B. Any person who stages in this city a circus or carnival parade where such circus or carnival or similar exhibition is conducted outside the city shall pay a license tax of two hundred dollars per day. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part); prior code § 5.08.100 (A, B) (Ord. 494 § 48(a), (b), 1960))
5.04.400 Coin-operated vending machine rentals or leasing businesses.¶
A. Any persons whose business is limited exclusively to renting, leasing or operating coin-operated vending machines, shall pay an annual license tax based upon the entire gross receipts which are directly attributable to the business activities of such person conducted within the city as follows: Gross Annual Receipts Annual License Tax Less than $2,499 $ 20.00 $ 2,500 -- $4,999 40.00 5,000 -- 7,499 60.00 7,500 -- 9,999 80.00 10,000 -- 14,999 120.00 15,000 -- 19,999 160.00 20,000 -- Up 200.00 B. Prior to the issuance of a business license or renewal therefor, the operator, owner, or manager of such vending machines shall furnish in duplicate a statement of gross receipts for each machine and the location of each such machine to the director of finance. The statement of gross receipts shall be subject to audit by the director of finance. Stamp-vending machines selling or dispensing U.S. stamps for mailing purposes are exempt from the terms and provisions of this section. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part); Ord. 73-5-701 § 1: prior code § 5.08.091)
5.04.410 Contractors and subcontractors.¶
A. Every person who in this city engages in the business of a contractor shall pay an annual license tax of one hundred dollars; provided, however, that in lieu thereof a contractor may be issued a license for six months' duration for which he shall pay a license tax in the amount of fifty dollars. B. The business of a contractor shall consist of any or all of the classifications of contracting business for which a license issued by the Contractor's State License Board is required under the provisions of Chapter 9 of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part); prior code § 5.08.190 (Ord. 494 § 57, 1960))
5.04.420 Drive-in theaters.¶
Every person operating in this city a drive-in theater shall pay an annual license tax of one hundred dollars if the theater
has less than one hundred salable spaces, one hundred fifty dollars if it has more than one hundred but less than two hundred salable spaces, and two hundred dollars if it has more than two hundred salable spaces. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part); prior code § 5.08.100(H) (Ord. 494 § 48(h), 1960))
5.04.430 Golf courses, archery ranges, and kindred enterprises.¶
Every person who in this city operates a miniature golf course, bicycle course, golf driving range or archery range shall pay an annual license tax which shall be in the same amount and shall be computed in the same manner as the license tax specified in Section 5.04.550. (Prior code § 5.08.100(E) (Ord. 494 § 48(e), 1960))
5.04.435 Off-site hazardous waste management facility and latex splash water treatment facility.¶
Every person who in this city operates an off-site hazardous waste management facility or a latex splash water treatment facility and who discharges any effluent from such operations into the city's sewer system, shall pay a business license tax which shall be in the amount of $0.01.5 per gallon for every gallon of effluent discharged from the off-site hazardous waste management facility or latex splash water treatment facility into the city's sewer system. The amount of water discharged by the off-site hazardous waste management facility or the latex splash water treatment facility shall be reported by the operator in writing to the city engineer within five business days of the first day of each month. The report shall be accompanied by payment of the business license tax indicated by the per gallon rate multiplied by the amount of effluent for the thirty-day period. The city engineer or his/her designated representative shall, at any time, have full access to all portions of the off-site hazardous waste management facility or latex splash water treatment facility, for the purposes of confirming the accuracy of any reported amount of discharge. (Ord. 94-10-1188 § 1: Ord. 92-05-1117 § 2)
5.04.440 Hospitals.¶
Every person who in this city engages in the business of operating a hospital for the care and treatment of human beings shall pay an annual license tax of two hundred fifty dollars. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part); prior code § 5.08.210 (Ord. 494 § 59, 1960))
5.04.450 Junk dealers.¶
Every person not having a fixed place of business within this city who engages in the business of collecting, buying, or selling at either retail or wholesale or otherwise dealing in junk and/or rubbish, waste material, refuse and/or any old rags, sacks, bottles, cans, papers, metals, jewelry, precious metals, rubber, bric-a-brac, cordage, truck or automobile tires, truck or automobile parts, truck or automobile accessories, and other like articles, whether the same can be sold or otherwise disposed of in the condition or state of repair as collected, or whether the same are collected, bought or sold or otherwise disposed of for the purpose of being treated, repaired or prepared so as to be used again in the same or in some other form, shall pay an annual license tax of one hundred twenty dollars for the first vehicle, plus sixty dollars for each additional vehicle used in the business of the city. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part); prior code § 5.08.130 (Ord. 494 § 51, 1960))
5.04.460 Lectures, theatrical performances, and concerts.¶
Every person who in this city conducts or stages any lecture, or any traveling theatrical performance or concert in a place other than a licensed theater shall pay twenty dollars for the first day of such staging and ten dollars for each additional day. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part); prior code § 5.08.100(C) (Ord. 494 § 48(c), 1960))
5.04.470 Liquidation and kindred sales.¶
Every person engaging in the business of selling goods, wares, or merchandise in liquidation of the assets of insolvent or bankrupt persons or in the business of liquidating goods, wares, or merchandise which have been damaged by fire, flooding, or other calamity shall pay a license tax of three hundred dollars for each day that such a sale is conducted within the city; provided, however, that this section shall not apply to persons selling their own property in the regular course of business from a permanent business establishment. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part); prior code § 5.08.200 (Ord. 494 § 58, 1960))
5.04.480 Manufacturers and processors.¶
Every person who in this city engages in a business consisting mainly of manufacturing, packing, processing, canning, or fabricating any goods, wares, merchandise, or produce, or in processing or refining oil, natural gas or products derived
therefrom, shall pay an annual license tax which shall be in the same amount and computed in the same manner as the annual license tax specified in Section 5.04.550. The cleaning and dehydration of crude oil at the well where it is produced does not constitute the processing thereof within the meaning of this section. (Prior code § 5.08.030 (Ord. 533 § 1 (part), 1962: Ord. 494 § 42, 1960))
- For provisions regarding taxation of crude oil producer, see Ch. 5.12 of this code.
5.04.490 Motels, hotels, and auto courts.¶
Every person carrying on the business of operating a motel, hotel, or auto court within the city shall pay an annual license tax as follows: one to nine rooms or units, sixty dollars; ten to fourteen rooms or units, seventy dollars; fifteen to nineteen rooms or units, eighty dollars; twenty to thirty rooms or units, ninety dollars; thirty rooms or units or over, one hundred dollars. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part); prior code § 5.08.160 (Ord. 494 § 54, 1960))
5.04.500 Motion picture theaters.¶
Every person who in this city operates a motion picture theater or any other type of theater other than a drive-in theater, shall pay an annual license tax of one hundred dollars if the theater has a seating capacity of five hundred seats or less, one hundred fifty dollars if it has a seating capacity of five hundred one to one thousand seats, and two hundred dollars if the theater has a seating capacity of over one thousand seats. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part); prior code § 5.08.100(F) (Ord. 494 § 48(f), 1960))
5.04.510 Motor vehicle rentals.¶
Every person who in this city engages in the business of renting out motor vehicles for the transportation of persons or property on a U-drive basis shall pay an annual license tax of fifteen dollars for each vehicle used in the conduct of such business. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part); prior code § 5.08.180(D) (Ord. 494 § 56 (d), 1960))
5.04.520 Peddlers and solicitors.¶
Every person not having a fixed place of business in the city who engages in the business of peddler, photographer, book agent or solicitor making house-to-house sales within the city shall pay an annual license of fifty dollars for each individual salesman. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part); prior code § 5.08.140 (Ord. 494 § 52, 1960))
5.04.530 Professional and semiprofessional businesses.¶
Every person who in the city engages in any professional or semiprofessional business or occupation for which no license tax is specifically provided in this chapter shall pay an annual license tax computed as follows: forty dollars plus twenty dollars for each partner or associate in excess of one, plus two dollars for each employee in excess of two employed by the licensee during the previous calendar year as determined in accordance with Section 5.04.100. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part); prior code § 5.08.050 (Ord. 494 § 43, 1960))
5.04.540 Retail agents and delivery vehicles.¶
Every person not having a regularly established place of business in this city who in this city engages in the business of selling at retail or solicits orders for the retail sale of any goods, wares, or merchandise of whatever nature, kind, or description for which no license tax is specifically provided in this chapter, and every person engaging in this city in the business of a bakery route, vegetable route, ice route, water route (distilled, spring, mineral, aerated), dairy route, fuel-oil route, laundry route, drycleaning route or other routes of a like or similar nature shall pay an annual license tax of forty dollars for the first vehicle used in this city in such business plus twenty dollars for each additional vehicle used in this city for such business. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part): prior code § 5.08.080 (Ord. 494 § 46, 1960))
5.04.550 Retail and wholesale sales and services – Businesses not otherwise designated.¶
Every person who in this city engages in the business of selling at retail or wholesale any goods, wares, merchandise, commodities or services or who conducts or carries on any trade, occupation, business, or calling, for which no license or license tax is specifically provided in this chapter shall pay an annual license tax computed as follows: forty dollars plus two dollars for each employee in excess of two but not over two hundred ninety-eight; and one dollar for each employee in excess of three hundred who was employed by such person during the previous calendar year as determined in accordance
with Section 5.04.100. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part): prior code § 5.08.020 (Ord. 494 § 41, 1960))
5.04.560 Stables and riding academies.¶
Every person who operates a riding academy or a stable for the boarding and keeping of horses or others shall pay an annual license tax of fifty dollars. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part): prior code § 5.08.100(G) (Ord. 494 § 48(g), 1960))
5.04.570 Taxi drivers.¶
Every person who engages in the occupation of driving a taxicab in the city shall pay a license tax in the amount of six dollars for the first year and four dollars per year thereafter. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part): prior code § 5.08.180(C) (Ord. 494 § 56(c), 1960))
- For provisions regarding licensing and regulation of taxi services and taxi drivers, see Ch. 5.32 of this code.
5.04.580 Taxi services.¶
Every person who in this city engages in the business of operating a taxi service, whether he has an established place of business in the city or not, shall pay an annual license tax of one hundred dollars plus twenty dollars for each of the first five taxicabs used in the city and two dollars per taxicab for each additional taxicab used. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part): prior code § 5.08.180(B) (Ord. 494 § 56 (b), 1960))
- For provisions regarding licensing and regulation of taxi services and taxi drivers, see Ch. 5.32 of this code.
5.04.590 Trailer parks.¶
Every person engaged in the business of managing or operating an automobile trailer park or court within the city shall pay an annual license tax based on the number of parking spaces or units available for parking of trailers, as follows: one to fifty units, five hundred dollars plus ten dollars per unit in excess of fifty units. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part): prior code § 5.08.170 (Ord. 494 § 55, 1960))
5.04.600 Trained animal shows.¶
Every person who in this city conducts or stages a trained animal show to which an admission fee is charged or in connection with which a collection is taken shall pay one hundred dollars for each day such show is staged. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part): prior code § 5.08.100(D) (Ord. 494 § 48(d), 1960))
5.04.610 Transporters of personal property.¶
A. Every person who in this city engages in the business of transporting personal property for hire shall pay an annual license tax based upon the number of vehicles used in the conduct of such business in this city computed as follows: forty dollars for the first such vehicle plus ten dollars for each such vehicle in excess of one. B. A license shall not be required of any person who makes occasional deliveries of goods or merchandise within the city; provided such deliveries are only occasional and incidental to a business conducted elsewhere. For the purpose of computing the tax, a tractor-semitrailer combination or a trucktrailer combination shall be deemed to be one vehicle. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part): prior code § 5.08.180(A) (Ord. 494 § 56 (a), 1960))
5.04.620 Wholesale agents.¶
Every person not having a regularly established place of business in this city who sells at wholesale or solicits orders for the sale at wholesale of any goods, wares, or merchandise of any kind or nature in connection with which deliveries are made in this city or delivery service is furnished to business or professional firms in this city shall pay an annual license tax as follows: twenty dollars for the first vehicle used in the city plus ten dollars for each additional vehicle used in the city. (Ord. 78-6-798 § 2 (part): prior code § 5.08.070 (Ord. 494 § 45, 1960)) Chapter 5.06
SIDEWALK VENDING Sections:
- 5.06.010 Purpose.
- 5.06.020 Definitions.
- 5.06.030 Permits required.
- 5.06.040 Review of permit application; decision.
- 5.06.050 Generally applicable sidewalk vending standards.
- 5.06.060 Stationary sidewalk vending locations and standards.
- 5.06.070 Sidewalk vending in parks.
- 5.06.080 Roaming sidewalk vending.
- 5.06.090 Suspension; rescission.
- 5.06.100 Appeals to city manager.
- 5.06.110 Penalties.
- 5.06.120 Vending equipment impoundment.
5.06.010 Purpose.¶
The city finds that the vending of prepared or pre-packaged foods, goods, and/or wares at semi-permanent locations on public sidewalks and rights-of-way may pose unsafe conditions and special dangers to the public health, safety, and welfare of residents and visitors. The purpose of this chapter is to implement regulations on both roaming and stationary sidewalk vending that protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the community while complying with the requirements of general state law, as amended from time to time, to promote safe vending practices, prevent safety, traffic, and health hazards, and preserve the public peace, safety, and welfare of the community. (Ord. 2023-11-1545 § 3 (part), 2023)
5.06.020 Definitions.¶
For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply: A. "Certified farmers' market" means a location operated in accordance with Chapter 10.5 (commencing with Section 47000) of Division 17 of the Cal. Food and Agricultural Code and any regulations adopted pursuant to that chapter. B. "City" means the City of Signal Hill. C. "Park" means a public park owned or operated by the city. D. "Roaming sidewalk vendor or vending" means a sidewalk vendor who moves from place to place and stops only to complete a transaction. E. "Sidewalk" means a portion of a street between the curbline and the adjacent property line, or an easement or right-of- way held by the city across the front of private property and intended for the use of pedestrians. For purposes of this chapter, "sidewalk" shall also include a paved path or walkway owned by the city or other public entity that is specifically designed for pedestrian travel. F. "Sidewalk vendor or vending" means a person who sells food or merchandise from a pushcart, stand, display, pedal- driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack, or other non-motorized conveyance, or from one's person, upon a public sidewalk or other pedestrian path. G. "Swap meet" means a location operated in accordance with Article 6 (commencing with Section 21660) of Chapter 9 of Division 8 of the Cal. Business and Professions Code, and any regulations adopted pursuant to that article. H. "Temporary use permit" means a city-issued permit to hold a temporary land use activity, as defined in § 20.66.210, and includes the activities described in § 20.40.040(B)of this code. (Ord. 2023-11-1545 § 3 (part), 2023)
5.06.030 Permits required.¶
A. All sidewalk vendors shall obtain a sidewalk vending permit from the city community development department prior to engaging in any sidewalk vending activities. The following information shall be required:
Name, current mailing address, and phone number of the vendor; and
If the vendor is an agent of an individual, company, partnership, or corporation, the name and business address of the principal; and
If the vendor will have employees, the name(s), current mailing address(es), and phone numbers of the person(s) who will be employed as a stationary or roaming sidewalk vendor(s); and
The number of sidewalk vending operations the vendor intends to operate within the city; and
The days and hours of operation the sidewalk vendor intends to operate; and
Whether the vendor intends to operate as a stationary or roaming sidewalk vendor; and
If applicable, a description of the type of food proposed to be offered for sale or exchange; and
If applicable, a description of the merchandise/goods to be offered for sale or exchange; and
A copy of the California seller's permit with the sales tax number issued by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration to the vendor: and
A copy of: a. The vendor's social security card with the number; or b. Valid California Driver's license issued to the vendor; or c. Individual taxpayer identification number issued to the vendor; or d. A municipal identification number. e. Any such identification number(s) or license(s) collected shall not be available to the public for inspection and shall remain confidential and not be disclosed except as required to administer the permit or licensure program or comply with a state law or state or federal court order.
If preparing or selling food, a copy of the Los Angeles County Health Department permit issued to the vendor, including a certification of completion of a food handler course; except when the sidewalk vendor consists solely of twenty- five square feet or less of display area from which only prepackaged non-potentially hazardous food and whole uncooked uncut produce will be sold. If potentially hazardous food or cooked cut produce will be sold or the food or the display area is greater than twenty-five square feet, the vendor must provide a copy of the County Health Department permit issued to the vendor; and
A list of all other cities or other jurisdictions in which the vendor has operated a vending operation in the past three years; whether a permit was required to operate; and whether a permit for vending has been revoked in the past three years; and
A description or site plan map of the proposed location(s) where vending will take place, showing that the sidewalk location maintains a minimum of thirty-six inches of accessible route area when considering the vendor equipment and anticipated customer queue, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; and
A copy of an encroachment permit issued by the city; and.
A copy of general liability policy naming the city as additional insured in the amount of $1,000,000.00; and
An acknowledgement that the vendor will comply with all generally applicable local, state, and federal laws; and
A certification by the vendor that to his or her knowledge and belief, the information contained in the application is true; and
An agreement by the vendor to indemnify, defend (at the vendor's sole cost and expense), and hold the City of Signal Hill, and its officers, officials, employees, representatives, and agents, harmless, from any and all claims, losses, damages, injuries, liabilities or losses which arise out of, or which are in any way related to, the city's issuance or failure to issue a sidewalk vending permit, the city's decision to approve or its refusal to approve the sidewalk vending permit, the operation of the sidewalk vending use and activity, and the process used by the city in making its decision. This indemnification shall include, but not be limited to, damages awarded against the city, if any, costs of suit, attorneys' fees, and other expenses incurred in connection with such claim, action, or proceeding whether incurred by the permittee, city, and/or the parties initiating or bringing such proceeding; and
An acknowledgement that use of public property is at the vendor's own risk, and the city does not take any steps to ensure public property is safe or conducive to sidewalk vending operations. B. Prior to the issuance of a sidewalk vending permit, the applicant shall cause to be filed with the chief of police or his or her designee a LiveScan background check conducted by the California Department of Justice within the previous six months of the application date. The chief of police shall furnish each applicant with a LiveScan request form for use at any LiveScan vendor location. C. At the time the application or renewal application is filed, the application shall pay the permit processing fee established by separate resolution of the city council. (Ord. 2023-11-1545 § 3 (part), 2023) 5 06 040 Review of permit application; decision
5.06.040 Review of permit application; decision.¶
A. Upon acceptance of a properly completed and filed sidewalk vending permit application and receipt of an acceptable LiveScan report issued by the department of justice, the community development \department shall conduct a preliminary investigation to determine compliance with this chapter and shall make such determination within no more than thirty days of acceptance to approve or deny the application. The community development department shall provide the applicant with written notice of his or her decision to the address indicated in the application. B. The community development director shall deny an application for a permit if he or she makes any of the following findings:
- The applicant has failed to pay the application permit fee.
- The applicant has made one or more material misstatements in the application for a permit.
- The applicant does not have a valid social security card or valid California Driver's license; or valid individual taxpayer identification number; or a municipal identification number.
- The applicant's vending operation, as described in the application, is inconsistent with the standards, conditions, and requirements of this chapter.
- The applicant is required to register under the provisions of Cal. Penal Code § 290.
- Within three years of the date of the application, the applicant has been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction or pled nolo contendere to any felony offense involving the sale of a controlled substance specified in Cal. Health and Safety Code §§ 11054, 11055, 11056, 11057 or 11058, or at the time of application is on probation or parole for any offenses set forth in this section for an offense that was committed within three years of the date of the application.
- It is determined that the applicant does not possess all federal, state, and local permits and licenses necessary to engage in the activity in which he or she seeks to engage.
- The applicant has had a sidewalk vending permit or similar permit revoked within the past three years in the city or any other jurisdiction. C. If the application is denied, the reasons for disapproval shall be noted on the application, and the applicant shall be notified that his or her application is denied and that no permit will be issued. Notice shall be mailed to the applicant at the address shown on the application form. D. If the community development director approves the applicant's permit, he or she shall endorse his or her approval on the application and shall, upon payment of the prescribed fee, deliver the permit to the applicant. E. Exemptions. A sidewalk vending permit shall not be required for the following activities:
- The sale of agriculture products on the site where the product is grown.
- Catering for private parties held exclusively on private property and not open to the general public.
- Events permitted pursuant to a lawfully issued temporary use permit including but not limited to a certified farmers'
market, swap meet, street fairs, outdoor concerts, sport league opening day, and business sidewalk sales.
F. Term of permit. A sidewalk vending permit issued pursuant to this chapter shall automatically expire one year from the
date issued, unless an earlier expiration date is noted on the permit. It shall be the permittee's sole responsibility to renew
the sidewalk vending permit.
G. Transferability. A sidewalk vending permit shall not be transferable to any other entity or person and is valid only as to
the original applicant for the term stated.
H. Display of permit. Such sidewalk vending permit shall, during the time such permittee is engaged in sidewalk vending, be worn constantly and conspicuously by the permittee on the front of his or her outer garment. Sidewalk vendors shall be required to exhibit their permits and/or licenses at the request of any person. If multiple sidewalk vendors are staffing a sidewalk vending operation, each vendor shall, during the operation of sidewalk vending, constantly and conspicuously wear the permit on the front of his or her outer garments. (Ord. 2023-11-1545 § 3 (part), 2023)
5.06.050 Generally applicable sidewalk vending standards.¶
Sidewalk vendors shall meet all of the following requirements: A. The sidewalk vendor is duly licensed and meets all requirements of § 5.06.030; and B. The sidewalk vendor can set up their vending operation while still leaving a minimum accessible path of travel that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and all local and state laws and regulations, without obstruction from the vendor equipment and the customer queue, along the public sidewalk or public pathway; and C. The sidewalk vendor maintains the vending area in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition; and D. Prior to leaving the vending area, the sidewalk vendor shall collect all litter and debris within a twenty foot radius of the vendor that was generated by the vending activities; and
E. There shall be no disposal of cooking material or waste, including but not limited to used oil, into the city's trash receptacles, storm drains, plant material, or foliage, in or upon any street, sidewalk, path, gutter, storm drain, inlet, catch basin, or other drainage structure, or upon any public or private lot of land in the city. Vendors shall immediately clean up any food, grease, or other fluid or item related to the sidewalk vending operation that falls onto public property; and F. The sidewalk vendor shall be located at least ten feet from any entrances to private or public buildings, private or public driveways, parking spaces or building windows; and G. No vending shall occur within ten feet of a fire hydrant, fire escape, bus stop, loading zone, handicapped parking space or access ramp; and H. No vending shall occur within a corner cut-off area, as identified in subsection X below; and I. No tables, chairs, fences, shade structures, other site furniture intended for customer use, or any freestanding signs shall be permitted in conjunction with the vendors' vending activities; and J. The sidewalk vendor shall not attach or use any water lines, electrical lines, or gas lines during vending operations; and K. A pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack, or other non-motorized conveyance used for sidewalk vending shall not be chained, fastened, or affixed at any time to any building or structure, including but not limited to lampposts, parking meters, traffic signals, fire hydrants, benches, bus shelters, trashcans, street signs, trees, or other objects within the public-right of way. No pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack, or other non- motorized conveyance used for sidewalk vending shall become a permanent fixture on the vending site or be considered an improvement to real property; and L. Exterior storage or display of refuse, equipment, materials, goods, wares, or merchandise associated with the vendor is prohibited; and M. The sidewalk vendor shall not store, place, or keep any food or merchandise on public property; and N. The sidewalk vendor shall not display any signage on public property; and O. All signage and advertising related to the sidewalk vendor and/or the vending operations shall not be electrical, flashing, wind powered, or animated; and P. The sidewalk vendor shall not use a horn, siren, amplified music, or any other audible device to attract attention to the presence of the vending vehicle; and Q. The sidewalk vendor shall not engage in aggressive sales, which shall include touching a person being offered food or merchandise without that person's consent, continuing to offer food or merchandise for sale to a person after he or she has declined to purchase food or merchandise, or deliberately blocking or impeding the path of the person(s) being offered food or merchandise, or shall not vend to persons sitting in their parked vehicles while illegally parked; and R. The sidewalk vendor shall publicly display any and all required business and health licenses; and S. The sidewalk vendor shall remit all required and applicable taxes to the applicable taxing agencies; and T. No vending shall occur within five hundred feet of a certified farmers' market, a swap meet, an event held pursuant to an event permit; and U. The sidewalk vendor shall not leave his or her sidewalk vending operation unattended to solicit business for the vending operation; and V. The sidewalk vendor shall not contain or use propane, natural gas, batteries, or other explosive or hazardous materials. The vendor shall not use an open flame for the sidewalk vending operation; and W. The sidewalk vendor shall not sell alcohol, marijuana, adult-oriented material, tobacco products, products that contain nicotine, or any product used to smoke/vape nicotine and/or marijuana; and X. No vending shall occur within a corner cutoff area. A corner cutoff area is that area at all intersecting and intercepting streets or highways. The cutoff line shall be in a horizontal plane, making an angle of forty-five degrees with the side, front, or rear property line, as the case may be. It shall pass through the points located on both sides and front, or rear property line, as the case may be. It shall pass through the points located on both sides and front or rear property lines at a distance of thirty feet from the intersection of such lines at the corner of a street or highway; and Y. No vending shall occur within the designated "Traffic Visibility Area" which consists of the triangular area formed by measuring:
- Twenty-five feet in either direction from the intersection of the front and street-side lot lines or their prolongation; or
- Ten feet in either direction from intersecting driveways, or a street/alley intersecting a driveway. Z. No vending shall occur within five hundred feet of any public or private child care center or academic school for elementary, junior high, or high school students; and AA. No vending shall occur within three feet of any street lights, edges of tree wells, parking meters, or above-ground
utility structures; and BB. No vending shall occur within two feet of any existing subsurface utility box, valve, or vault; and CC. No vending shall occur within two feet of another vendor; and DD. No vending shall occur at bus stop locations, red curbs, or at locations where there are existing above-ground amenities such as newsstands or street furniture, including, but not limited to benches and bike racks; and EE. No vending shall occur in roadways, medians, pedestrian islands, or bikeways; and FF. No vending shall occur within twenty feet of the entrance way to any building, store, theater, movie house, house of worship, or place of public assembly; and GG. No vending shall occur with two hundred feet of city hall, police station, and LA County Fire Station; and HH. No vending shall occur within one hundred feet of a public picnic area, playground area, playground equipment, public community center, or athletic field or court. (Ord. 2023-11-1545 § 3 (part), 2023)
5.06.060 Stationary sidewalk vending locations and standards.¶
A. Stationary sidewalk vendors shall be prohibited from operating or establishing in any and all exclusively residential zones of the city. B. Stationary sidewalk vendors shall not vend within three hundred feet, of any exclusively residentially zoned area. C. Stationary sidewalk vendors shall provide a trash receptacle for customers and ensure proper disposal of customer trash. The trash receptacle must be large enough to accommodate customer trash without resorting to existing trash receptacles located on any street for use by the general public. D. Stationary sidewalk vendors may operate in non-residential zones of the city, including mixed use zones, provided they meet the requirements of § 5.06.050. E. Stationary sidewalk vendors shall only be conducted no earlier and no later than the hours of operation of businesses on the same street. If no businesses operate on the same street, stationary sidewalk vendors operating in non-residential zones of the city shall only operate between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM of every day. (Ord. 2023-11-1545 § 3 (part), 2023)
5.06.070 Sidewalk vending in parks.¶
A. Sidewalk vending of food or merchandise by stationary vendors shall be prohibited in any city park with a concession stand operated by a vendor under exclusive contract with the city selling food or merchandise. B. Subject to § 5.06.070(A), sidewalk vendors may operate in city parks provided they meet all of the requirements in § 5.06.050. C. Sidewalk vendors shall cease operations one hour prior to the close of the park. (Ord. 2023-11-1545 § 3 (part), 2023)
5.06.080 Roaming sidewalk vending.¶
A. Roaming sidewalk vendors shall meet all the requirements of § 5.06.050. B. Roaming sidewalk vending hours for residential zones shall be conducted between the hours of 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM on weekdays, and between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on the weekend. C. Roaming sidewalk vendors for non-residential zones shall only be conducted no earlier and no later than the hours of operation of businesses on the same street. If no businesses operate on the same street, roaming sidewalk vendors in non- residential zones of the city shall only operate between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM of every day. (Ord. 2023-11-1545 § 3 (part), 2023)
5.06.090 Suspension; rescission.¶
A. A sidewalk vending permit issued under this chapter may be suspended or rescinded by the community development director after four or more violations of this chapter in accordance with § 5.06.110 of this chapter, at their discretion, for any of the following causes:
- Fraud or misrepresentation in the course of vending;
- Fraud or misrepresentation in the application for the permit;
- Vending in a manner that creates a public nuisance or constitutes a danger to the public. B. Notice of the suspension or rescission of a sidewalk vendor permit issued under this chapter shall be mailed, postage
prepaid, to the holder of the sidewalk vendor permit at his or her last known address. (Ord. 2023-11-1545 § 3 (part), 2023)
5.06.100 Appeals to city manager.¶
In the event that any applicant or permittee desires to appeal from any order, rescission, or other ruling of the community development director made under the provisions of this chapter, such applicant or any other person aggrieved shall have the right to appeal such action or decision to the city manager within fifteen days after the notice of the action or decision has been mailed to the person's address as shown on the permit application. An appeal shall be taken by filing with the city clerk a written appeal statement setting forth the grounds for the appeal, along with the city's appeal fee, which shall be established by city council resolution. The filing of the appeal shall stay the enforcement of any decision suspending or rescinding the permit. The city clerk shall transmit the written statement to the city manager within ten days of its filing and payment of the appeal fee, and the city manager shall set a time and place for a hearing on appeal. A hearing shall be set not later than sixty days from the date of filing of the applicant's written appeal statement with the city clerk. Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be given to the appellant in the same manner as provided for the mailing of notice of suspension or rescission at least five days prior to the date set for the hearing. At the hearing, the permittee and the city shall be entitled to legal representation and may present relevant evidence, testify under oath, and call witnesses who shall testify under oath. The city manager shall not be bound by the traditional rules of evidence in a hearing, except that hearsay evidence may not be the sole basis for the decision of the city manager. The city manager may continue the hearing as deemed necessary. The decision of the city manager, or his or her designee, on the appeal shall be final and binding on all parties concerned, unless timely judicial review is sought pursuant to Cal. Code of Civil Procedure § 1094.6. In the event a timely action or proceeding is brought pursuant to § 1094.6, the city manager's decision shall be stayed automatically pending a final decision on the merits by the trial court. As used in this section, final decision on the merits does not include rehearing or appellate procedures. (Ord. 2023-11-1545 § 3 (part), 2023)
5.06.110 Penalties.¶
A. It is unlawful for any person to violate any provision or fail to comply with any requirements of this chapter. A violation of this chapter shall be punished by: 1. An administrative fine not exceeding $100 for a first violation. 2. An administrative fine not exceeding $200 for a second violation within one year of the first violation. 3. An administrative fine not exceeding $500 for each additional violation within one year of the first violation. 4. Rescinding the vending permit issued to the vendor for the remaining term of that permit upon the fourth violation or subsequent violations. B. A violation of vending without a sidewalk vending permit, may, in lieu of the penalties set forth in subsection (A), set forth above, be punished by: 1. An administrative fine not exceeding $250 for a first violation. 2. An administrative fine not exceeding $500 for a second violation within one year of the first violation. 3. An administrative fine not exceeding $1,000 for each additional violation within one year of the first violation. C. If an individual is subject to subsection (B), set forth above, for vending without a sidewalk vending permit, upon the individual providing proof of a valid permit issued by the city, the administrative fines set forth in this chapter shall be reduced to the administrative fines set forth in subsection (A), respectively. D. The proceeds of any administrative fines assessed pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited in the treasury of the city. E. Failure to pay an administrative fine assessed under this chapter shall not be punishable as an infraction or misdemeanor. Additional fines, fees, assessments, or any other financial conditions beyond those authorized in this chapter shall not be assessed. F. Any violation of this chapter shall not be punishable as an infraction or misdemeanor, and any person alleged to have violated any provisions of this chapter shall not be subject to arrest except when otherwise permitted under law. G. When assessing an administrative fine pursuant to this chapter, the adjudicator shall take into consideration the person's ability to pay the fine. The city shall provide the person with notice of his or her right to request an ability-to-pay determination and shall make available instructions or other materials for requesting an ability-to-pay determination. The person may request an ability-to-pay determination at adjudication or while the judgment remains unpaid, including when a case is delinquent or has been referred to a comprehensive collection program. 1. If the person meets the criteria described in subdivision (a) or (b) of Cal. Government Code § 68632, the city shall accept, in full satisfaction, 20% of the administrative fine imposed pursuant to this chapter. 2. The city may allow the person to complete community service in lieu of paying the total administrative fine, may waive the administrative fine, or may offer an alternative disposition.
H. A person who is currently serving, or who completed, a sentence, or who is subject to a fine, for a conviction of a misdemeanor or infraction for sidewalk vending, whether by trial or by open or negotiated plea, who would not have been guilty of that offense under SB 946 had SB 946 been in effect at the time of the offense, may petition for dismissal of the sentence, fine, or conviction before the trial court that entered the judgment of conviction in his or her case. I. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to impede the city's or county's ability to enforce county health department codes and regulations. (Ord. 2023-11-1545 § 3 (part), 2023)
5.06.120 Vending equipment impoundment.¶
A. The city may impound a sidewalk vendor’s vending cart, food, equipment and any goods therein used in violation of this chapter, pursuant to the provisions of California Civil Code Section 2080.10, California Health and Safety Code Section 114393, and/or any other applicable city, county, or state law for the following reasons: 1. Food displayed, offered, or made available for sale including equipment, or utensils used by a sidewalk vendor without holding a valid and displayed health permit from the Los Angeles County department of public health, environmental health division in violation of county or state law; 2. Items reasonably appear to be unattended or abandoned on public property for more than thirty (30) consecutive minutes without moving from the exact spot it was located and reasonable attempts were made to locate the owner or responsible person(s) within the first fifty (50) feet of the items; 3. Items displayed, offered, or made available for sale by a sidewalk vendor who does not obtain a sidewalk vending permit from the city community development department as required by Section 5.06.030; 4. Items displayed, offered, or made available for sale by a sidewalk vendor who operates in violation of this chapter, and refuses or fails to provide identification; 5. Operation in violation of this chapter and refusal or failure by a sidewalk vendor to comply within thirty consecutive minutes after being instructed to do so by a city code enforcement officer or other city official; 6. Items displayed, offered, or made available for sale by a sidewalk vendor who vends in a manner that blocks or obstructs the free movement of pedestrians on sidewalks and fails to maintain a minimum of thirty-six inches (36") of accessible path of travel, without obstruction, along the sidewalk upon which the vendor is vending so as to enable persons to freely pass while walking, running, or using mobility assistance devices and/or in violation of the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336) and other disability access standards; 7. Items displayed, offered, or made available for sale in violation of any applicable federal, state, county, or city laws, ordinances, and regulations, including but not limited to illegal or counterfeit merchandise, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, smoke or vaping products, adult-oriented material, live animals, weapons, and/or pharmaceuticals; 8. Items creating an imminent and substantial danger or environmental hazard to the health, safety, or general welfare of the public or property at the location of the vending cart such as, but not limited to, discharge of oil, grease or other slippery substances on the street or sidewalk; using unapproved portable cooking equipment, heating element, gas-fueled appliance, generator, or any open flame; attaching or using any water lines, electrical lines, or gas lines during vending operations; during an urgent or emergency public safety event or incident; lack of a fire extinguisher; using any luminaire, flashing lights or any other animated devices or sign; or using, operating or permitting any radio, loudspeaker or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound; or 9. Items impounded as evidence of a crime or booked as property after an arrest of any sidewalk vendor involving any city, county, state or federal law or regulation excluding Chapter 5.06. Such items shall be stored, and released in accordance with the procedures set forth in the California Penal Code and any other applicable state law. B. Prior to commencing an impoundment action under the preceding subsection A, a city code enforcement officer or other city official will issue a verbal warning to the sidewalk vendor operating in violation of this chapter. An impoundment action will proceed only if the sidewalk vendor fails or refuses to comply with the verbal warning within the time specified or, if no time is specified, within a reasonable time. C. The city may immediately dispose of impounded items that are perishable and/or cannot be safely stored. D. Sidewalk vending items or equipment impounded pursuant to this section, excluding those items that were immediately disposed of according to Section 5.06.120(C), shall be held by the city for not less than thirty nor more than sixty days from the date of impoundment. E. The city shall provide the person from whom the vending items or equipment were impounded with a receipt and instructions for retrieval of the impounded items, excluding those items that were immediately disposed of according to Section 5.06.120(C). The receipt and instructions shall be given to the person from whom the items were taken at the time of impound or shall be mailed within two business days of the impound to the address received by the city when the person applied for a sidewalk vending permit. F. Impounded vending equipment and goods, excluding any items that were disposed of according to Section 5.06.120(C), will be released to the sidewalk vendor or owner provided that proper proof of ownership is presented, and the
city receives payment in full of all administrative costs incurred as a result of the violation. Any unclaimed items will be considered abandoned and forfeited to the city after sixty days following impoundment. Pursuant to state law, the city shall not be liable for damages caused by any official action performed with due care regarding the disposition of items pursuant to this section and the disposal provisions of this chapter. G. An aggrieved sidewalk vendor may, within fifteen calendar days of the impoundment, appeal the impoundment of their items by requesting an administrative hearing before a hearing officer in accordance with Section 5.06.100 and, if successful in their appeal, may have their items returned, excluding any items that were immediately disposed of according to Section 5.06.120(C), and shall not be required to pay the impound fee(s). If the sidewalk vendor is successful on appeal, any appeal fee paid by the sidewalk vendor shall be refunded. H. A sidewalk vendor may recover impounded items or equipment, excluding any items immediately disposed of according to Section 5.06.120(C), upon paying applicable impound fees and demonstrating proper proof of ownership of the items. I. The city council may adopt by ordinance or resolution impound fees, which shall reflect the city’s personnel, enforcement, investigation, storage, disposal, and impound costs. J. The city manager is authorized to develop additional regulations for the storage and release of impounded items not in conflict with this chapter. (Ord. 2024-07-1550 § 3, 2024)
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