HomeMy WebLinkAboutBL Code Update_11-19-25
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 1 of 80
ARTICLE VI.
BUSINESSES, PROFESSIONS, TRADES AND OCCUPATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1. LICENSES
PART 1. LICENSING PROCEDURE
DIVISION 1. BUSINESS LICENSING
Section 6111. Business License and Tax Required
Section 6111.01 Business License Application
Section 6111.03 Application for an Annual License for a New Business
Section 6111.05 Renewal Application for an Annual License
Section 6111.07 Determination by the License Officer
Section 6111.09 Denial of License
Section 6111.11 Suspension or Revocation of License
Section 6111.13 Appeal to a Hearing Officer
Section 6111.15 Notice
Section 6111.17 Appeals Fees
Section 6111.19 Judicial Review
Section 6111.21. Reinstatement
Section 6111.23. Interstate/Intercity Commerce
Section 6111.25. Claims of Exemption
DIVISION 2. LICENSE ISSUANCE
Section 6112. License Certificate
Section 6112.01. Violations Not Authorized
Section 6112.03. State License
Section 6112.05. Free License
Section 6112.07. Vehicle Tax
Section 6112.09. Not Transferable
Section 6112.11. Amendment
Section 6112.13. Duplicate
Section 6112.15. Permit Prerequisite/ Zoning
DIVISION 3. LICENSE DURATION
Section 6113. Computation of Periods
DIVISION 4. LIABILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS
Section 6114. Civil Obligation
Section 6114.01. Payment
Section 6114.03. Delinquency
Section 6114.05. Penalty
Section 6114.07. Errors
Section 6114.09. Refunds
Section 6114.11. Owner’s and Contractor’s Liability for Subcontractors
Section 6114.13. Criminal Liability
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 2 of 80
DIVISION 5. EXEMPTIONS
Section 6115. Unexpired Licenses Previously Issued
Section 6115.01. Disabled Veterans
Section 6115.03. Home-Grown Food Stuffs
Section 6115.05. Commercial Agents
Section 6115.07. Charitable Organization
Section 6115.09. Certified Producers/Farmers
DIVISION 6. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 6116. Separate Licenses
Section 6116.01. Exception for Sale of New Automobiles
Section 6116.03. Exhibiting of Licenses
Section 6116.05. Enforcement
PART 2. LICENSES AND ACTIVITIES SUBJECT TO TAXES AND FEES
Section 6120. License Taxes and Fee Rates
Section 6120.01. Automatic Annual License Rate Adjustment
Section 6120.03. Activities Subject to a License Tax
CHAPTER 2. PERMITS
PART 1. PERMIT PROCEDURES
DIVISION 1. APPLICATION, INVESTIGATION, AND PERMIT FEE
Section 6211. Business Permit Required
Section 6211.01. Business Permit Application
Section 6211.03. Permit Application Investigation
Section 6211.05. Payment
DIVISION 2. ISSUANCE AND DENIAL. NEW PERMITS
Section 6212. Issuance of Permit
Section 6212.01. Denial of Permit
Section 6212.03. Issuance of Permit Conditions
DIVISION 3. ISSUANCE AND DENIAL. RENEWALS
Section 6213. Renewal Requirements
Section 6213.01. Existing Permits
DIVISION 4. SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION
Section 6214. Grounds for Suspension or Revocation
Section 6214.01. Appeal and Final Determination
Section 6214.03. Temporary Suspension of Permit
Section 6214.05. Reinstatement of Permit
CHAPTER 3. SPECIAL REGULATIONS
PART 1. ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES
DIVISION 1. ENTERTAINMENT PERMITS
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 3 of 80
Section 6311.01. Any Other Business Conducted for the Purpose of Public Entertainment or Enjoyment
DIVISION 2. PRIVATE CLUBS
Section 6312. Free Entry by Law Enforcement Officers
DIVISION 3. FORTUNETELLING
Section 6313. Permit and Compliance with Conditions Required
Section 6313.01. Permit Application
Section 6313.03. Investigation
Section 6313.05. Decision by the License Officer
Section 6313.07. Issuance of Permit
Section 6313.09. Permit Revocation
Section 6313.11. Exceptions
PART 2. COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES
DIVISION 1. MASSAGE THERAPIST REGULATONS
Section 6321. Findings and Purpose
Section 6321.01. Definitions
Section 6321.03. Acupressure
Section 6321.05. Zoning and Building Laws Applicable to Massage Therapy Business Activities – Conditional Use Permit
Required
Section 6321.07. State Massage Certification Required to Conduct Massage Therapy in the City
Section 6321.09. Business License Required
Section 6321.11. Denial, Suspension and Revocation of Massage Therapy Business License; Appeal Procedure and
Reinstatement
Section 6321.13. Hours of Operation
Section 6321.15. Business Owner / Operator Responsibility
Section 6321.17. Renewal of Massage Therapy Business License
Section 6321.19. Change of Information
Section 6321.21. Cessation of Massage Therapy Services
Section 6321.23. Prohibited Activities
Section 6321.25. Operations
Section 6321.27. Exemptions
DIVISION 2. REGULATION OF WRITTEN MATERIALS
Section 6322. Refusal Register
Section 6322.01. Regulations Governing Distribution
DIVISION 3. PEDDLERS AND SOLICITORS
Section 6323. Peddlers and Solicitors License
Section 6323.01. “No Peddlers or Solicitors” Signs
Section 6323.03. Exception on Invitation
Section 6323.05. Persistence After Request to Leave
Section 6323.07. Refusal to Leave on Request
Section 6323.09. Legislative Policy
Section 6323.11. Prohibited Activities
Section 6323.13. Duties
Section 6323.15. Powers Section 6323.17. Permit Required
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 4 of 80
Section 6323.17. Permit Application Contents
Section 6323.19. Permit Application Fee
Section 6323.21. Form of Permit
Section 6323.23. Time of Issuance
Section 6323.25. Permit Granting and/or Denial
Section 6323.27. Permit Transfer
Section 6323.29. Term of Permit
Section 6323.31. Permit Cancellation
Section 6323.33. Permit Revocation, Suspension
Section 6323.35. Compliance Required
Section 6323.37. Appeals to Hearing Officer
Section 6323.39. Permit Exemptions
Section 6323.41. Permit and Badge to be Carried on Person
Section 6323.43. Prohibited Acts While Soliciting, Peddling, or Canvassing
Section 6323.45. Sign Posting
Section 6323.47. Hours
Section 6323.49. Distribution of Handbills Excluded
Section 6323.51. Charitable, Religious and Political Canvassing Excluded
Section 6323.53. Use of Sound-Making, Sound-Amplifying Devices
Section 6423.55 Permit Holder’s Books and Records
Section 6233.57. Investigation of Solicitors and Peddlers
Section 6323.59. Misrepresentation Prohibited
Section 6323.61. Separate Violations
Section 6323.63 Permittee’s Books and Records
Section 6323.65. Permittee’s Reports
Section 6323.67. Investigation of Solicitors
Section 6323.69. Misrepresentation Prohibited
Section 6323.71. False Application
Section 6323.73. Separate Violations
DIVISION 4. PRIVATE PATROLS
Section 6324. Permit Procedure
Section 6324.01. Approval
Section 6324.03. Liability Insurance
Section 6324.05. Display of Permit and License
DIVISION 5. RUBBISH COLLECTION, HAULING OR DISPOSAL
Section 6325. Permit Required
Section 6325.01. Regulations
Section 6325.03. Limitation
Section 6325.05. Definitions
Section 6325.07. Application Provisions
Section 6325.09. Insurance
Section 6325.11. Equipment, Enclosed Body
Section 6325.13. Ownership
Section 6325.15. Removal of Spillage
Section 6325.17. Production of Customer Lists, Rates and Ownership Statement
Section 6325.19. Suspension
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 5 of 80
DIVISION 6. SIDEWALK AND PARKING LOT SALES
Section 6326. Commercial Use of Sidewalk
Section 6326.01. Conditions of Sidewalk and Parking Lot Sales
Section 6326.03. Purpose of Street Vending Provisions
Section 6326.05. Permits Required
Section 6326.07. Review of Permit Application; Decision
Section 6326.09. Renewal of Sidewalk Vending Permit
Section 6326.11. Stationary Sidewalk Vending Locations and Standards
Section 6326.13. Sidewalk Vending in Parks, Certified Farmer’s Markets
Section 6326.15. Roaming Sidewalk Vending
Section 6326.17. Suspension; Rescission
Section 6326.19. Appeals
Section 6326.21. Penalties
DIVISION 7. MOTION PICTURE FILMING
Section 6327. Film Permit
Section 6327.01. Application
Section 6327.03. Scope of Permit
Section 6327.05. Separate Permit
Section 6327.07. Film Permit Approved
Section 6327.09. Cost of City Services
Section 6327.11. Written Notification
Section 6327.13. Fee Amount
Section 6327.15. Waiver of Fees
Section 6327.17. Revocation or Denial of Application
PART 3. ADULT BUSINESSES
DIVISION 1. ADULT BUSINESS PERFORMER LICENSE
Section 6331. Purpose
Section 6331.01. Adult Business Performer License
Section 6331.03. Investigation and Action on Application for Adult Business Performer License
Section 6331.05. Denial, Suspension or Revocation of Adult Business Performer License / Appeal Hearing
Section 6331.07. Judicial Review
Section 6331.09. Display of License Identification Cards
Section 6331.11. Adult Business Performer License Nontransferable
Section 6331.13. Time Limit for Filing Application for Permit
Section 6331.15. Violations
Section 6331.17. Regulations Nonexclusive
Section 6331.19. Severability
DIVISION 2. ADULT BUSINESS LICENSE
Section 6332. Purpose
Section 6332.01. Definitions
Section 6332.03. Permit Required
Section 6332.05. Permit Requirements
Section 6332.07. Investigation and Action on Application for Adult Business Regulatory Permit
Section 6332.09. Development and Operating Standards
Section 6332.11. Transfer of Adult Businesses or Adult Business Regulatory Permits
Section 6332.13. Denial, Suspension, or Revocation of Adult Business Regulatory Permits / Appeal Procedure
Section 6332.15. Judicial Review
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 6 of 80
Section 6332.17. Display of Adult Business Regulatory Permit
Section 6332.19. Employment of and Services Rendered to Persons Under the Age of Eighteen (18) Years Prohibited, Twenty-
One (21) if Alcoholic Beverages are Served
Section 6332.21. Inspections
Section 6332.23. Employment of Performers Without Valid License Unlawful
Section 6332.25. Regulations Non-Exclusive
Section 6332.27. Violations
Section 6332.29. Public Nuisance
Section 6332.31. Severability
CHAPTER 4 – DEFINITIONS
Section 6400. General Information about Definitions
Section 6400.01. “A” Definitions
Section 6400.02. “B” Definitions
Section 6400.03. “C” Definitions
Section 6400.04. “D” Definitions
Section 6400.05. “E” Definitions
Section 6400.06. “F” Definitions
Section 6400.07. “G” Definitions
Section 6400.08. “H” Definitions
Section 6400.09. “I” Definitions
Section 6400.10. “J” Definitions
Section 6400.11. “K” Definitions
Section 6400.12. “L” Definitions
Section 6400.13. “M” Definitions
Section 6400.14. “N” Definitions
Section 6400.15. “O” Definitions
Section 6400.16. “P” Definitions
Section 6400.17. “Q” Definitions
Section 6400.18. “R” Definitions
Section 6400.19. “S” Definitions
Section 6400.20. “T” Definitions
Section 6400.21. “U” Definitions
Section 6400.22. “V” Definitions
Section 6400.23. “W” Definitions
Section 6400.24. “X” Definitions
Section 6400.25. “Y” Definitions
Section 6400.26. “Z” Definitions
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 7 of 80
CHAPTER 1. LICENSES
PART 1. LICENSING PROCEDURE
DIVISION 1. BUSINESS LICENSING
6111. BUSINESS LICENSE AND TAX REQUIRED
A. No person shall conduct any business in the city without first having obtained a business license, paid the
applicable business license tax and complied with any and all applicable provisions of this Code.
B. A separate business license shall be obtained for each business location and for each separate type of
business at the same location.
C. A home-based business (“Home Occupation Permit”) shall be required to obtain a business license prior to
conducting business within a residential unit or on residential property.
D. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, an employee of a business that has obtained a valid Arcadia
Business License is not required to obtain a separate business license.
E. A business license shall not be issued to a business that requires training or state licensing for the business
owner, or for each technician or employee, until satisfactory proof of training or licensing is provided to the
city. These businesses include without limitation barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians and manicurists.
F. A business license shall not be issued to a business that requires Workers' Compensation Insurance until
satisfactory proof of having Workers' Compensation Insurance is provided to the city.
6111.01. BUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATION
A. Applications for a business license shall be filed with the city and shall comply with the following
requirements:
1. Completion of an application on the form designated by the city and signed by the applicant
under penalty of perjury;
2. Applications shall be filed a minimum of 30 days prior to the date requested for issuance of the
permit;
3. Payment of the applicable filing fee; and
4. Such other information as may be required by the city.
B. Contents of general business license application shall contain the following information:
1. Business name
2. Business address
3. Permanent mailing address of the applicant
4. Phone number
5. Email address
6. Employer I.D. number (or Social Security number)
7. State driver license;
8. State resale permit (if applicable)
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 8 of 80
9. State employer I.D. number
10. State contractors/business and professional license number (if applicable)
11. Description of the business being conducted
12. Days and hours of operation
13. Start date
14. Type of ownership
15. Owners or principal officers
16. Description of all vehicles and mechanical equipment owned by or under the control of the
business
17. Business license number (in the case of a renewal application)
18. Business license tax paid
19. Health permit number (if applicable)
20. Workers' Compensation Insurance Policy number, date and date of expiration (if applicable)
21. Proof of any other required county, state or federal training and/or license or permit
22. Such other information as may be required by the application form or requested by the city for
enforcement and administration of this title.
6111.03. APPLICATION FOR AN ANNUAL LICENSE FOR A NEW BUSINESS
If an applicant for an annual license did not engage in business in the City in the previous year, or has been
engaged in business in the City for less than one year, then the application shall set forth the estimated information
needed to determine the amount of tax for the year for which the application is being submitted, and such estimated
information shall be used to determine the amount of license tax to be paid.
6111.05. RENEWAL APPLICATION FOR AN ANNUAL LICENSE
When renewing an annual license, if the tax for the previous year was based on estimated numbers, then
the actual numbers for the previous year shall be compared to the estimated numbers that were used to determine
the tax, and if different, the amount of additional tax or amount of credit for the previous year shall be calculated
and either added or subtracted from the amount of tax due for the new year. This provision applies to the first
renewal of an annual license tax that is based on numbers from the previous tax year but does not apply to
subsequent renewals of such a tax.
6111.07. DETERMINATION BY THE LICENSE OFFICER
A. If any person fails to file any required statement within the prescribed time, or if the License Officer or
designee determines that a licensee has incorrectly reported any information to the City or has not paid all
or any of the tax, penalties, or interest that are due, the License Officer may make a determination of the
amount of license tax due from and payable by such person, using such information as the License Officer
may be able to obtain.
B. The License Officer or designee shall give notice of the determination as provided in Section 6111.15.
C. Definition of “Business License Officer.” For purposes of this Article, “Business License Officer” means the
Officer or the Officer’s designee.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 9 of 80
6111.09. DENIAL OF LICENSE
A. The License Officer may refuse to issue a license under this Article if the License Officer determines that the
applicant or applicant's agent have, in the conduct of the same or any similar business, been guilty of fraud,
misrepresentation, or conduct detrimental to the public welfare which includes operations or activities that
do not comport with the peace, health, safety, and convenience of the public such as (a) operation of a
business prohibited by local, federal, or state law (b) allowance of activities that are or become a public
nuisance which includes the disruptive conduct of business patrons whether on or immediately off the
premises where such patrons disturb the peace, obstruct traffic, damage property, engage in criminal
conduct, violate the law, or otherwise impair the free enjoyment of life and property. The License Officer
may also refuse to issue a license upon any of the grounds established for license suspension or revocation
as put forth in Section 6111.11.
B. Notice of a decision to deny an application for a business license shall be served on the Licensee as provided
in Section 6111.15.
6111.11. SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF LICENSE
A. The License Officer may suspend or revoke any business license upon receipt of information from any
source that:
1. The holder of the license, or the licensee’s employee, agent, partner, director, officer, controlling
stockholder, or manager has knowingly made any false, misleading, or fraudulent statement of
material facts in the application for the license or permit, or in any report or record required to be
filed with the city's police department, county health department, or any other city department or
office in connection with the operation of the business; or
2. The business has been expanded, or partially or wholly converted to another business without the
required City approvals and permits; or
3. The holder of the license has violated any of the conditions of the license, or has violated or
permitted to be violated any law or laws of the United States or the State, or any ordinance
applicable to the premises where the business covered by the license is conducted, or in
connection with the business; or
4. The holder of the license, or the licensee’s employee, agent, partner, director, officer, controlling
stockholder, or manager has, in the conduct of the licensed business or any similar business, been
guilty of fraud, misrepresentation, or conduct detrimental to the public welfare which includes
operations or activities that do not comport with the peace, health, safety, or convenience of the
public such as (a) operation of a business prohibited by local or state law (b) or allowance of
activities that are or become a public nuisance which includes the disruptive conduct of business
patrons whether on or immediately off the premises where such patrons disturb the peace,
obstruct traffic, damage property, engage in criminal conduct, violate the law, or otherwise impair
the free enjoyment of life and property; or
5. The holder of the license has failed to pay either the entirety or a portion of the business license
tax.
B. Notice of a decision to suspend or revoke a business license shall be served on the Licensee as provided in
Section 6111.15.
6111.13. APPEAL TO A HEARING OFFICER
A. Any person aggrieved by the decision of the License Officer with respect to the issuance or refusal of a
license, or any determination pursuant to this title may appeal the decision to the Hearing Officer,
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 10 of 80
designated by the City Manager, within ten (10) days following notice of the action. The notice of appeal
shall be in writing and signed by the person making the appeal and shall contain the following information:
1. The name, address, email address, and telephone number of the Appellant;
2. A true and correct copy of the notice of decision or action by the License Officer that the Appellant
is appealing;
3. A specific statement of the reasons and grounds for making the appeal in sufficient detail to enable
the Hearing Officer to understand the nature of the controversy, the basis of the appeal, and the
relief being requested;
4. All documents or other evidence pertinent to the appeal that the Appellant requests that the
Hearing Officer to consider at the hearing; and
5. Appellant must pay the designated appeal fee at the time the appeal is filed.
B. In the event a written notice of appeal is timely filed, the suspension, revocation, or denial is not effective
until a final decision has been rendered and issued by the Hearing Officer. The Hearing Officer shall set a
hearing within thirty (30) calendar days from that date unless the parties agree otherwise. Notice of the
hearing shall be served as provided in Section 6111.15.
C. At the hearing the person against whom the determination or decision was made may present evidence
and argument regarding the determination or decision to show why the determination or decision is
incorrect and to show what the determination or decision should be.
D. Within sixty (60) days after the close of the hearing the Hearing Officer shall issue a final determination or
decision, unless the time period is extended by the Hearing Officer for good cause. The final determination
or decision of the Hearing Officer shall be served as provided in Section 6111.15.
6111.15. NOTICE
Whenever the City must give notice of an action or a document under this Article, notice shall be effective
on a person when either (i) served personally on the person, (ii) deposited in the United States Mail, postage prepaid,
and addressed to the person at the person’s address on file with the City, or (iii) sent by email to the person using
an email address provided to the City by the person. Notice provided by method (ii) above shall be deemed received
within three days of mailing. Notice provided by methods (i) or (iii) above shall be deemed received immediately
upon delivery.
6111.17. APPEAL FEES
Each appeal of the denial of a business license or permit shall be accompanied by the payment of the fee
established by City Council by Resolution, as may be amended from time to time, to cover the City’s costs of
administering the hearing and appeal.
6111.19. JUDICIAL REVIEW
A final decision of the Hearing Officer under Section 6111.11 is subject to judicial review under sections
1094.5 and 1094.6 of the Code of Civil Procedure by a writ petition filed in the appropriate court within ninety (90)
days of the service of the written decision.
6111.21. REINSTATEMENT
A. If the final decision of the License Officer or the Hearing Officer, in revoking a license contains a provision
that no new license may be requested by the holder of the revoked license for a certain, specified amount
of time, a new license may not be requested during that amount of time by the holder of the revoked license
or by his or her employee, agent, partner, director, officer, controlling stockholder, or manager, for any
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 11 of 80
business or location within the City or by any other person for the same business on the same premises
where the business covered by the revoked license was conducted or for the same business on a different
premises within the City. If, after the period specified, application for a new business license is made, the
applicant must comply with all requirements of this Code for issuance of a new business license. There shall
be no automatic reinstatement of a revoked business license and the City is under no obligation to grant
the new application.
B. If the final decision of the License Officer or the Hearing Officer in suspending a license contains a provision
that no new license may be requested by the holder of the suspended license for a certain, specified amount
of time, a new license may not be requested during that amount of time by the holder of the suspended
license or by his or her employee, agent, partner, director, officer, controlling stockholder, or manager, for
any business or location within the city or by any other person for the same business on the same premises
where the business covered by the suspended license was conducted or for the same business on a different
premises within the City. If, after the period specified, the License Officer or Hearing Officer has determined
that the holder of the suspended license has successfully met all conditions imposed by the License Officer
or the Hearing Officer for reinstatement to occur, the License Officer or Hearing Officer will reinstate the
license as per the instructions in the final decision of the License Officer or the Hearing Officer.
6111.23. INTERSTATE/INTERCITY COMMERCE
A. No tax shall be imposed by this Chapter so as to constitute an undue burden on interstate commerce or
intercity commerce or to violate the equal protection or due process clauses of the United States or
California constitutions.
B. A person who has to pay a tax under this Chapter and who contends that the application of the tax
constitutes an undue burden on interstate commerce or intercity commerce or violates the equal
protection or due process clauses of the United States or California constitutions may apply to the License
Officer for an apportionment of the tax that would remove the constitutional violation by filing within six
months of having paid the tax a written request with the License Officer that explains the factual and legal
basis for the claimed constitutional violation and proposes a method of apportionment that would resolve
the alleged constitutional violations.
C. The License Officer shall review the application and within sixty (60) days of the filing of the application
issue a decision on the application. The decision on the application shall be served on the person who
submitted the application as provided in Section 6111.15. The decision is a determination of the License
Officer, which the applicant may contest by requesting a hearing before the License Officer under Section
6111.11, and the License Officer’s final decision following a hearing may be appealed to the Hearing Officer
under Section 6111.11.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 12 of 80
6111.25. CLAIMS OF EXEMPTION
Any person who claims an exemption from a tax imposed under this Chapter by the constitution, statutes,
or regulations of the United States or the State of the California; by the charter or ordinances of the City of Arcadia;
or any other law may apply to the License Officer for an exemption from the tax by filing with the License Officer
either before the tax is due or within six months of having paid the tax a written request that explains the factual
and legal basis for the claimed exemption. The License Officer shall review the request and within sixty (60) days of
the filing of the request issue a decision on the request. The decision on the request shall be served as provided in
Section 6111.15. The decision is a determination of the License Officer, which the applicant may contest by
requesting a hearing before the License Officer under Section 6111.11, and the License Officer’s final decision
following a hearing may be appealed to the Hearing Officer under Section 6111.1.
DIVISION 2. LICENSE ISSUANCE
6112. LICENSE CERTIFICATE
A. Upon payment of the required tax, and upon compliance with all of the provisions of this Article, and if
there are no grounds for denial under Section 6111.09, the License Officer shall prepare and issue a license
certificate to any person who has applied for a business license under this Article. The License Officer shall
state in the license certificate the date of its issuance, the amount of the tax, the period of time covered by
the license certificate, the name of the person to whom it is issued, the business, profession, trade,
commercial enterprise, or occupation thereby licensed, and the location or place of business where it shall
be carried on.
B. The License Officer may impose reasonable conditions with the license that the License Officer deems
necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements of this Article. In addition, the License Officer may
impose such terms, conditions, restrictions, and limitations upon the operation and conduct of a licensee’s
activity, not in conflict with the law, as the License Officer may deem necessary or expedient to protect the
public peace, health, safety, morals, or welfare of the City or the inhabitants thereof.
C. A licensee may contest a condition imposed by the License Officer under subsection B of this Section by
requesting a hearing before the Hearing Officer under Section 6111.11 regarding the License Officer’s
determination to impose the condition, and the Hearing Officer’s final decision following a hearing is final.
6112.01. VIOLATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED
The payment of a license tax required by the provisions of this Chapter, the acceptance the payment of a
license tax by the City, or the issuance of a license to any person, shall not:
A. Entitle any person to continue or carry on business at any building or premises if it is located in a zone or
locality where the conduct of such business violates any law (federal, state, or local) or provision of this
Code;
B. Authorize the conduct or continuance of any business which for any reason is in violation of any law
(whether federal, state, or local) or provision of this Code;
C. Affect or render valid any violation of any zoning regulation of the City; or
D. Authorize the placement or installation of an advertising sign in a residential zone.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 13 of 80
6112.03. STATE LICENSE
For any trade or profession for which a State license is required, a current State license shall first be
exhibited to the License Officer before a City license will be issued.
6112.05. VEHICLE TAX
Any person operating a wheeled vehicle for which a license is required or who has a fixed place of business
within the City which has been licensed under this Chapter, and who in the usual course of business uses a wheeled
vehicle or vehicles for the delivery of personal property or services which have been sold from said fixed place of
business, shall list each vehicle on the business license and pay the tax as provided in the City’s Resolution, as may
be amended from time to time, for each vehicle.
6112.07. NOT TRANSFERABLE
Except as specifically authorized, no license issued pursuant to this Chapter shall be transferred or assigned,
nor shall such license be construed as authorizing any person other than the licensee to engage in the business thus
licensed.
6112.09. AMENDMENT
Where a license is issued authorizing a person to conduct a business at a particular place, the licensee may,
upon application and paying the fee per the City’s Resolution, as may be amended from time to time, have the
license amended to authorize the conduct of the business at a different location.
6112.11. DUPLICATE
The License Officer shall charge a fee per the City’s Resolution, as may be amended from time to time, for
each duplicate license issued under the provisions of this Chapter that has been lost or destroyed.
6112.13. PERMIT PREREQUISITE/ZONING
The License Officer shall not issue any license for any business, profession, trade, commercial enterprise, or
occupation that is not permitted by the City's zoning regulations or for which a permit is required by any provision
of this Code until a permit is obtained pursuant to Chapter 2 of this Article, nor if any such permit has been
revoked or has expired and has not been reinstated or renewed. Any license issued under this Chapter for any
business, profession, trade, commercial enterprise, or occupation for which a permit is required by any provision
of this Code, for all or part of the activities on licensed premises, shall be voidable upon the revocation or
expiration of any such permit.
DIVISION 3. LICENSE DURATION
6113. COMPUTATION OF PERIODS
For the purpose of this Chapter:
A. A part of a day shall be deemed a day.
B. More than fifteen (15) days and less than one (1) month shall be deemed a month.
C. More than one (1) month and less than two (2) months shall be deemed two-thirds (⅔) of a quarter.
D. More than two (2) months and less than three (3) months shall be deemed a quarter.
E. When a license tax is fixed at a monthly rate, the tax shall apply to each calendar month or fraction thereof,
unless otherwise provided.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 14 of 80
F. When a tax is to be paid quarterly, it shall be paid on the following quarters of the calendar year and shall
be due on the first day of each quarter:
(1) First quarter: January 1 to March 31;
(2) Second quarter: April 1 to June 30;
(3) Third quarter: July 1 to September 30;
(4) Fourth quarter: October 1 to December 31.
G. When a yearly or annual license or tax is required and imposed by this Chapter, it shall apply to the twelve
(12) month period commencing on the first day of the month in which the license is issued and terminating
after the last day of the twelfth (12th) month. For each year thereafter, the renewal date shall be the first
day of the month in which the license was first issued.
H. When a business that holds a yearly or annual license makes a change requiring additional license taxes,
the business shall pay the additional taxes on a prorated basis for the remainder of the license period.
Proration of taxes does not apply to Section 6112.07 (Vehicle Tax) or any section that indicates taxes are
per year or fraction thereof.
I. When a daily license is required by this Chapter, it shall be due and payable to the City each day in advance.
J. When the obligation to perform and act under this Article fall on a weekend or a holiday recognized by the
City of Arcadia, the deadline to perform the act is extended to the next day that is not a weekend or holiday.
DIVISION 4. LIABILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS
6114. CIVIL OBLIGATION
The amount of any license tax, fee, or penalty imposed under this Chapter shall constitute a debt to the
City. Any person engaging in business in the City without having a license so to do shall be subject to an action in the
name of the City in any court of competent jurisdiction for the collection of the amount of the license tax and
penalties imposed by this Chapter.
6114.01. PAYMENT
A. All license taxes, unless otherwise expressly stated in this Chapter, shall be paid in advance in legal currency
of the United States of America at the office of the City Treasurer. The City may at its discretion accept
negotiable paper in the payment of any license tax. The acceptance by the City of negotiable paper shall
constitute a payment of the tax only when such paper is duly paid. If for any reason any negotiable paper
is not paid on due presentation, the license tax shall be deemed not to have been paid and the license
issued shall be deemed not to have been issued, and shall be void and of no effect.
B. Any person engaging in business for which a license is required by this Chapter must submit an application
for a license to the License Officer and pay the required tax before engaging in that business.
C. Any person holding an annual business license must submit an application to renew the license and pay the
required tax thirty (30) days after the renewal date for the license.
6114.03. DELINQUENCY
Any tax owed under this Chapter is delinquent on the following dates:
A. The tax for a business that commences operation and does not hold a license is delinquent on the first day
of operation if not paid before commencing operation.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 15 of 80
B. The tax for a business that holds an annual business license is delinquent if the tax is not paid thirty (30)
days after the renewal date.
C. The tax for a business that is licensed and taxed on a daily basis is delinquent on the day of operation if not
paid the day before commencing operation.
D. The tax for a business that is licensed and taxed on a per-event basis is delinquent if not paid before the
beginning of the event.
6114.05. PENALTY
A. A penalty equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the license tax shall be automatically applied to the tax
owed by any person who commences the operation of a business without first having obtained a license
and paid the tax.
B. If the tax for the renewal of an annual business license is not paid thirty (30) days after the renewal date, a
penalty of twenty percent (20%) of the license tax shall be automatically added to the amount of tax due.
If the tax for the renewal of an annual business license is not paid sixty (60) days after the renewal date, an
additional penalty of forty percent (40%) of the license tax shall be automatically added to the amount of
tax due. If the tax for the renewal of an annual business license is not paid ninety (90) days after the renewal
date, an additional penalty of forty percent (40%) of the license tax shall be automatically added to the
amount of tax due.
6114.07. ERRORS
In no case shall any mistake made by the City Treasurer or License Officer in collecting or stating the amount
of a license tax prevent or prejudice the collection by the City of such amount as shall be due from any person
engaged in business who is subject to a license under this Chapter.
6114.09. REFUNDS
A. A person who believes that any tax, fee, or penalty has been illegally, erroneously, or mistakenly paid to,
collected by, or otherwise received by the City may file a claim for a refund of the amount of tax, fee, or
penalty claimed to have been improperly received by the City.
B. The claim must be filed with the License Officer and signed under penalty of perjury. The claim must state:
1. The legal and factual basis for the refund claim;
2. The amount of tax, fee, or penalty allegedly improperly received by the City;
3. The date or dates that the improper payments were made to the City; and
4. The address of the claimant.
C. The claim must be submitted to the License Officer within one year of the date of the allegedly improper
payment to the City.
D. The License Officer shall provide a written decision on the claim within 30 days of receipt of the claim by
serving the determination on the claimant as provided in Section 6111.15.
E. A claimant may contest the Tax Collector’s decision and determination on a refund claim by requesting a
hearing before the Hearing Officer under Section 6111.11, and the Hearing Officer’s decision is final.
6114.11. OWNER'S AND CONTRACTOR'S LIABILITY FOR SUBCONTRACTORS
Any person operating a business shall be liable for and shall pay to the City any business license tax due to
the City from any of their contractors, and contractors shall be liable for and shall pay to the City any business license
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 16 of 80
tax due to the City from any of their subcontractors, who performed work or furnished materials to or for any
improvement at such time as the statement of names and addresses of such subcontractors is required to be filed
prior to final inspection or issuance of the certificate of occupancy, or if such a statement is not required to be filed,
then prior to the completion of any such work or improvement.
6114.13. CRIMINAL LIABILITY
The conviction and punishment of any person for engaging in business without a license shall not excuse or
exempt such person from the payment of any license tax, fee, or penalty, due or unpaid, at the time of such
conviction, and nothing in this Chapter shall prevent a criminal prosecution for any violation of the provisions of this
Chapter.
DIVISION 5. EXEMPTIONS
6115. UNEXPIRED LICENSES PREVIOUSLY ISSUED
When a license for revenue purposes has been issued to any business by the City and the tax paid under
the provisions of this Chapter and the term of the license has not expired, any increase in the license tax by an
amendment to this Chapter shall not apply to the business until the expiration of the license.
6115.01. DISABLED VETERANS
A disabled war veteran shall be entitled to receive a free license for peddling or canvassing, if the veteran
provides the License Officer with evidence of the veteran’s status as a veteran, that the veteran has received an
honorable discharge from the armed forces of the United States, and is physically unable to obtain a livelihood by
manual labor. Applicants for free licenses under this Section shall be required to comply with all other provisions of
this Article pertaining to peddlers or canvassers.
6115.03. HOME-GROWN FOOD STUFFS
A free license shall be granted to a person peddling fruits and vegetables grown by that person in the City.
An application to the License Officer for a free license under this provision must state: the applicant’s address; the
kind of goods to be sold; the method of solicitation, sale, and delivery; the location of any warehouse used or
operated by the applicant in conjunction with the raising or selling of such products; and any other facts necessary
to establish a claim of exemption.
6115.05. COMMERCIAL AGENTS
No business license or tax shall be required for or from commercial travelers or selling agents selling goods, wares,
or merchandise to dealers at wholesale for resale purposes, or to persons who use the purchased goods, wares, or
merchandise in the making of a product manufactured in the City.
6115.07. CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION
Charitable organizations maintaining an office location within the City shall be issued a free license by the
License Officer upon proof of charitable status of the organization with the State of California.
6115.09 CERTIFIED PRODUCERS/ FARMERS
Every participant in a Certified Farmer's Market as a Certified Producer of homegrown foodstuffs is
exempt from payment of any license tax in this Chapter provided that the participation is with a City-authorized
Farmer's Market. Proof of Certified Producer status is subject to approval by the management of the farmer's
market and Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 17 of 80
"Certified Producer" shall be anyone with proper proof that they are selling what they caught, grew,
collected, or raised. Each Certified Producer of fruits, nuts, or vegetables must obtain an embossed photocopy of
their Certified Producer's Certificate issued by any county in the State of California.
DIVISION 6. GENERAL PROVISIONS
6116. SEPARATE LICENSES
A separate license shall be obtained for each establishment or location of a business. Each license shall
authorize the licensee to engage only in the business licensed for that location and in the manner designated in the
license.
6116.01. EXCEPTION FOR SALE OF NEW AUTOMOBILES
Where a person is engaged in the business of selling new automobiles and has procured a license under the
provisions of this Chapter, a lot maintained by such person within two hundred feet (200′) of the licensed place of
business, where used cars owned by the licensee are displayed for sale, shall not be deemed to be a separate place
of business or establishment.
6116.03. EXHIBITING OF LICENSES
Every person having a license under this Chapter and carrying on a business or pursuit at a fixed place of
business shall keep the license posted in a conspicuous place in the place of business so as to be easily seen. Every
person having a license but not carrying on a business or pursuit at a fixed place of business shall have the license in
their possession at all times while engaging in business in the City and shall exhibit such license whenever requested
to do so by any police officer, or by any officer authorized to issue or inspect licenses or collect license taxes.
6116.05. ENFORCEMENT
The License Officer shall enforce the provisions of this Article. The License Officer, in the exercise of the
duties imposed by this Article, may examine or cause to be examined all places of business in the City to ascertain
whether the provisions of this Article have been fully complied with. The License Officer, the License Officer’s
assistants, and every 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 Article, and to demand the exhibition of a business’s
license certificate. No person having a license certificate issued under this Article shall willfully fail to exhibit the
certificate on demand. The License Officer may cause a complaint to be filed against any person found to be violating
any provisions of this Article.
PART 2. LICENSES AND ACTIVITIES SUBJECT TO TAXES AND FEES
6120. LICENSE TAXES AND FEES RATES
Except for those businesses, trades, or occupations for which a license tax is specifically provided by any
other provision of this Code, the following license taxes are established and shall be paid by the owners or agents
thereof in the amounts provided in this Part.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 18 of 80
6120.01. AUTOMATIC ANNUAL LICENSE RATE ADJUSTMENT
Business license fees will be adjusted in accordance with the schedule for citywide fee updates, as
determined by the City Council, as may be amended from time to time. Adjustments will occur annually, at the same
time as other city fee adjustments, unless otherwise specified. Cost increases can be attributed to a variety of factors,
including labor cost increases and material costs increases attributed to general inflation. Annual increases to City
fees may be adjusted either by general increases to total labor costs or the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Los
Angeles Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, whichever is higher in order to ensure that fee rates and cost
recovery levels are maintained over time. The City may also utilize a combination of these factors if the employee
portion of a fee can easily be separated from the supplies/equipment portion of a fee.
6120.03. ACTIVITIES SUBJECT TO A LICENSE TAX
Activity Subject to a Tax Description
Advertising - Distributing or
Solicitation
Any person distributing advertising materials or engaging in
solicitation, excluding proprietors of businesses in the City.
Apartments and Lodging Operators of apartment buildings, motels, hotels, or lodging
facilities. Rental units include manager/owner-occupied spaces with
sleeping facilities. Short term rentals are not allowed in the City.
Auctions or Temporary Retail Sale Includes auctioning goods and temporary retail sales by charitable,
nonprofit, civic, or religious organizations, limited to 7 days.
Bowling Alleys or Billiards Businesses offering billiards, bowling, shuffleboard, skee-ball, or
similar entertainment.
Carnival Shows, exhibitions, and amusement parks featuring acrobatics,
horsemanship, merry go-around, or mechanical amusement
devices.
Christmas Trees; Pumpkin Patches Seasonal sales of Christmas trees or pumpkins, excluding nonprofit
organizations.
Circus Public spectacles featuring mechanical rides, animal performances,
acrobatics, games, and entertainment.
Contractors and Subcontractors Includes general engineering, building contractors, electrical, and
plumbing contractors.
Dance Hall - Public Operators of public dance halls, floors, or ballrooms.
Family Care/Day Care/Assisted Living
Care Facility
Businesses provide care for 7 or more children or adults from
different families, including daycare, family care, and assisted living
facilities, nursing homes licensed by the State of California.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 19 of 80
Farmer’s Market Market sponsors and vendors participating in City-approved
Certified Farmer’s Markets.
Fortuneteller Individuals engaged in fortunetelling, as defined in the Municipal
Code.
Moving Services Businesses providing residential or commercial moving services.
Private Patrols Businesses providing private security patrols.
Pawnbroker Operators of pawnshops dealing in loans secured by personal
property.
Peddlers and Solicitors Individuals selling goods/services without a fixed business location.
Photographer/Videographer Photographer/videographer operate without a permanent business
location.
Private Clubs Social clubs charging members for games and entertainment
(excluding food services).
Professional Services Medical office, dental offices, clinics, veterinarian, physical
therapists, health services, and any use that requires licensed
professionals in regulated occupations within California.
Real Estate Broker Brokers engaged in real estate transactions.
Rental of Non-Residential Property Entities leasing commercial, industrial, office, or vacant lots for non-
residential purposes.
Salvaged Goods Dealer Those involved in collecting, purchasing, or selling junk.
Services Retail services or stores, restaurants, any food establishments,
therapists, personal services (such as beauty, barbershop, and nail
salons), kennels, laundromats, fitness facilities or studios, office
spaces, service stations (with or without convenience stores), dry
cleaners, consultants, financial institutions, warehousing, gardeners
and landscapers, bars, lounges, manufacturing, food trucks, mobile
food vendor, athletic trainers, auto repair including body and oil
changes, car wash (full or self-service), charging stations,
educational services, vending and reverse vending machines, and
other services, as determined by the License Officer.
Taxi Operators of taxicab services.
Theaters and Shows Businesses conducting movie theaters, live performances, and
open-air shows.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 20 of 80
Wheeled Vehicles Businesses use of vehicles for hauling, distributing, selling, or
delivering goods within the City.
Other Other business uses determined to be similar to any of the activities
or uses listed above, but for which the City has no dedicated
business use defined, as determined by the Development Services
Director or designee.
CHAPTER 2. PERMITS
PART 1. PERMIT PROCEDURES
DIVISION 1. APPLICATION, INVESTIGATION AND PERMIT FEE
6211. BUSINESS PERMIT REQUIRED
A business permit is required when a business needs specific authorization to engage in certain activities. It is distinct
from a business license, as it grants permission for regulated activities, ensuring the business complies with specific
laws.
A. In addition to any other business, profession, trade or occupation for which a permit is required by some
other provision of this Code, no person shall engage in any business, and no business license shall be issued
for any business mentioned in Part 2 until a permit has first been obtained upon application in writing
therefore pursuant to the provisions contained within Part 1 of this Chapter.
B. A separate permit shall be applied for and obtained for each and every kind of business, occupation, trade
or concession for which a permit is required by this Part or any other provision of this Code, regardless of
community of ownership, management or location.
6211.01 BUSINESS PERMIT APPLICATION
Unless otherwise specifically provided elsewhere in this Code, every person for whom a permit is required by this
Chapter shall submit an application in writing to the License Officer, shall be signed and verified by the applicant
and shall provide the following information specified in subsections (A) through (J). No person shall file or cause to
be filed an application for a permit containing false or fraudulent statements under penalty of perjury. This Section
does not apply to adult businesses; the regulation and permitting of adult businesses and the licensing of the
trades, professions, callings, and occupations thereof involved are separately enacted and provided for in Chapter
5 of this Article.
A. The name and address of the applicant.
B. The name and address of the person by whom the applicant is employed, if the applicant is employed by
someone.
C. The nature and a complete description of the business or activity for which a permit is requested.
D. The place where such business is to be conducted.
E. The zoning applicable to the property upon which such business or occupation is to be conducted.
F. The structural development and other improvements located upon such property.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 21 of 80
G. The zoning applicable to the real property adjacent to or across from alley of the premises upon which the
business or occupation, for which a permit is requested, is to be conducted or maintained.
H. A description of the nature and amount of equipment to be used in connection with such business or
activity.
I. An estimate of the number of persons that can attend or be served by said business or occupation at any
one time.
J. The dates upon which such business or activity is to be conducted or maintained and the hours during
which it is proposed to conduct or maintain such business.
6211.03. PERMIT APPLICATION INVESTIGATION
A. The License Officer shall, without unnecessary delay, refer any such application for a permit to the Chief of
Police for investigation of any facts which in the License Officer’s opinion warrant investigation. In the event
the Chief of Police, in the course of investigation, determines that fingerprints and thumbprints of the
applicant would aid in such investigation, the applicant shall be notified and shall comply promptly with
such request. The Chief of Police shall report any criminal connections of the applicant, an officer, principal
stockholder, or any person having a substantial interest in or management responsibility for any
organization connected with applicant.
B. The License Officer may, at any time after notice of the filing of any such application for a permit, refer such
application to the Planning Commission when the Development Services Director and License Officer
determines that any portion or portions of said permit application warrants investigation.
6211.05. PAYMENT
Unless otherwise expressly stated in this Article, all permit fees and deposits required to be paid or made
by Chapter 2 or Chapter 3 of this Article shall be paid in advance in legal currency of the United States of America at
the office of the City Treasurer. The City may at its discretion accept negotiable paper in payment of any such fee or
deposit. The acceptance by the City of negotiable paper shall constitute payment of such fee or deposit only when
such paper is duly paid. If for any reason any negotiable paper is not paid on due presentation, the fee or deposit for
which it was accepted shall be deemed not to have been paid, and any permit issued pursuant to such payment shall
be deemed not to have been issued and shall be void and of no effect, and any action taken by City for which such
payment is a prerequisite shall be deemed not to have been taken and to be void and of no effect.
DIVISION 2. ISSUANCE AND DENIAL. NEW PERMITS
6212. ISSUANCE OF PERMIT
Upon the receipt of an application in the form prescribed in Division 1 of this Part for any business for which
a permit is required by any provision of this Code, and upon payment of the required fee, and compliance with all
of the provisions of this Article, the License Officer shall prepare and issue a permit to every person liable to pay a
permit fee hereunder.
6212.01. DENIAL OF PERMIT
Subject to the appeal provisions, the License Officer may refuse to issue a permit under this Article if it is
determined that the applicant or applicant's agents have, in the conduct of the same or any similar business, been
guilty of fraud, misrepresentation or conduct detrimental to the public welfare which includes operations or
activities that do not comport with the peace, health, safety and convenience of the public such as (a) operation of
a business prohibited by local or state law (b) allowance of activities that are or become a public nuisance which
includes the disruptive conduct of business patrons whether on or immediately off the premises where such patrons
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 22 of 80
disturb the peace, obstruct traffic, damage property, engage in criminal conduct, violate the law and otherwise
impair the free enjoyment of life and property.
6212.03. ISSUANCE OF PERMIT CONDITIONS
A. If such permit is granted, the License Officer may impose such terms, conditions, restrictions and limitations
upon the operation and conduct of such permit activity, not in conflict with any paramount law, as it may
deem necessary or expedient to protect the public peace, health, safety, morals or welfare of the City or
the inhabitants thereof.
B. The License Officer shall not deliver any permit to a permittee for any business, profession, trade, business
enterprise or occupation for which a license is required by Chapter 1 of this Article until all sums due to the
City thereunder have been paid.
C. The permit shall contain the name of the applicant and of the business for which the permit is issued, the
dates for which such permit is issued, the location for which such permit is issued, and the conditions and
restrictions upon which such permit is issued.
D. The permit shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises where the business for which such permit
is issued is conducted, if conducted at a fixed place of business in the City, and shall remain so posted during
the period the permit shall be in force. If the business is not conducted at a fixed place of business in the
City, the permittee shall have such permit in his possession at all times while engaging in such business.
E. No person shall violate or fail to comply with any condition, term or provision of any permit issued pursuant
to this Article.
DIVISION 3. ISSUANCE AND DENIAL. RENEWALS
6213. RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
A. The License Officer may, upon the recommendation of the Chief of Police, waive the permit requirements
as to applications for renewal of any permit originally issued in accordance with the procedure outlined in
this Part for a business or activity which has been conducted at the same location, and under the same
ownership or management without interruption during the preceding permit period, when in the judgment
of the Police Chief, there is no cause or reason to require reprocessing pursuant to this Part.
B. In any application for the renewal of any permit issued in accordance with the procedure outlined in this
Part, it shall be sufficient for applicant to insert the words "same as in prior application" wherever such
words are truly applicable.
C. Upon written request, the License Officer may waive any or all of the requirements of this Part with respect
to any institution or organization which is conducted, managed or carried on wholly for the benefit of
charitable, religious, educational, recreational or scientific purposes and from which profit is not derived
either directly or indirectly by any individual firm or corporation. Such institution or organization must
provide proof of nonprofit status by either a federal or state governing body.
6213.01. EXISTING PERMITS
All permits heretofore issued by the City under this Chapter or any other regulatory City ordinance shall
remain in full force and effect until the expiration date therein specified. If no expiration date is therein specified,
such permit shall expire on December 31 of the year during which it was issued. All businesses for which a permit is
required by the terms of this Chapter, which are in actual operation upon the date this Chapter becomes applicable
thereto, shall have to and including the 2nd day of January of the following year within which time to make
application for the permit required for such business, and may continue to operate thereafter until final action is
taken by the License Officer on such application. Any business for which a permit is required under this Chapter
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 23 of 80
commencing after the provisions of this Chapter or any similar regulatory City ordinance becomes applicable thereto
shall not commence operation until a valid and proper permit shall have been issued by the License Officer for such
business.
DIVISION 4. SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION
6214. GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION
A. The Hearing Officer may revoke any permit issued by it under the provisions of this Chapter upon any
ground upon which such permit could or should have been denied in the first instance, or whenever the
Hearing Officer is satisfied that the conduct of any such business does or will in any manner endanger,
threaten or jeopardize the public health, safety, morals, peace or welfare or that the same has been
conducted in an illegal, improper or disorderly manner or that such permit was obtained upon false or
misleading statements or representations of or on behalf of the applicant. The Hearing Officer may revoke
if it is determined that the applicant or applicant's agents have, in the conduct of the same or any similar
business, been guilty of fraud, misrepresentation or conduct detrimental to the public welfare which
includes operations or activities that do not comport with the peace, health, safety and convenience of the
public such as (a) operation of a business prohibited by local, federal or state law or (b) allowance of
activities that are or become a public nuisance which includes the disruptive conduct of business patrons
whether on or immediately off the premises where such patrons disturb the peace, obstruct traffic, damage
property, engage in criminal conduct, violate the law and otherwise impair the free enjoyment of life and
property.
B. The Hearing Officer may revoke or suspend any permit issued by it under the provisions of this Chapter
where the proprietor or person in charge thereof violates or permits any infraction of any law of the State,
or any provision of this Code, or any condition of the permit.
C. The Hearing Officer may, without necessity of any public hearing, revoke or suspend any permit issued
under the terms of this Chapter if the permittee shall have been adjudged guilty of a misdemeanor under
this Article.
6214.01. APPEAL AND FINAL DETERMINATION
The actions taken to deny, suspend, or revoke a permit require at least ten (10) days' written notice to the
applicant. Within ten (10) days of the date of the notice of denial, suspension or revocation, the applicant may file
an appeal to the Hearing Officer. The same procedure for appeal and the disposition thereof shall be that established
for business licenses in Division 1 of Part 1 of Chapter 1 of this Article, Sections 6111.13 through 6111.19.
6214.03. TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF PERMIT
A. For any reasons specified in the preceding sections of this Division, the Hearing Officer may seek to
temporarily suspend any permit issued under the provisions of this Chapter by first providing notice of the
intent to suspend the permit and at least five (5) days written notice of a hearing on the proposed
suspension. The procedures for the hearing must follow the requirements in Division 1 of Part 1 of Chapter
1 of this Article, Sections 6111.11 and 6111.13. Notices shall be given as provided in Division 1 of Part 1 of
Chapter 1 of this Article, Section 6111.15.
B. A person against whom a determination to temporarily suspend a license under subsection (A) has been
made may contest the determination and request an appeal to the Hearing Officer r under the same
procedure for appeal established for business licenses in Division 1 of Part 1 of Chapter 1 of this Article,
Section 6111.13.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 24 of 80
C. The Hearing Officer can temporarily suspend a permit without a hearing if continued operation of the
business constitutes a serious imminent threat to public health or safety. A hearing on such a temporary
suspension must be provided as soon as practicable, following the procedure outlined in Division 1 of Part
1 of Chapter 1 of this Article, Sections 6111.11 and 6111.13.
D. Such temporary suspension shall remain in full force and effect until the decision of the Hearing Officer,
who may thereupon rescind, modify or continue such suspension or may revoke such permit or affix new
or different terms to the continuation of such permit.
6214.05. REINSTATEMENT OF PERMIT
A. If the final determination of the Hearing Officer in revoking a permit contains a provision that no new permit
may be requested by the holder of the revoked permit for a certain, specified amount of time, a new permit
may not be requested during that amount of time by the holder of the revoked permit or by his or her
employee, agent, partner, director, officer, controlling stockholder or manager, for any business or location
within the city or by any other person for the same business on the same premises where the business
covered by the revoked permit was conducted or for the same business on a different premises within the
City. If, after the period specified, application for a new permit is made, the applicant must comply with all
requirements of this Code for issuance of a new permit. There shall be no automatic reinstatement of a
revoked permit and the City is under no obligation to grant the new application.
B. If the final determination of the Hearing Officer in suspending a permit contains a provision that no new
permit may be requested by the holder of the suspended permit for a certain, specified amount of time, a
new permit may not be requested during that amount of time by the holder of the suspended permit or
by his or her employee, agent, partner, director, officer, controlling stockholder or manager, for any
business or location within the city or by any other person for the same business on the same premises
where the business covered by the suspended permit was conducted or for the same business on a
different premises within the City. If, after the period specified, the License Officer has determined that
the holder of the suspended permit has successfully met all conditions imposed before reinstatement
may occur, the Hearing Officer will reinstate the permit.
CHAPTER 3. SPECIAL REGULATIONS
PART 1. ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES
DIVISION 1. ENTERTAINMENT PERMITS
A separate Entertainment Permit is required for any entertainment activity not previously approved through a
Conditional Use Permit or Minor Use Permit. This includes, but is not limited to, fortunetelling, live music
performances, live entertainment, and other activities as determined by the License Officer.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 25 of 80
6311.01. ANY OTHER BUSINESS CONDUCTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT
OR ENJOYMENT
Any other business conducted for the purpose of public entertainment or enjoyment including but not
limited to businesses where such activities accompany or are ancillary to another use such as the utilization of
musicians, bands or other live entertainment provided by the licenses. In such cases, the business licensee shall be
responsible for all entertainment permits applicable to the licensed premises and shall be required to set forth the
schedule of performance, the nature and scope of the performance, exhibition, show or contest and provide
whatever other information deemed necessary by the License Officer that is reasonably related to appropriate
consideration of the permit
DIVISION 2. PRIVATE CLUBS
A private club is a membership system. The club's activities and amenities (e.g., bar, dining area, recreational
facilities) are generally reserved for members and their guests. Access to the premises is not available to the general
public.
6312. FREE ENTRY BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
Any member of the Police Department or any Peace Officer of the State shall at all times be permitted to
enter the club rooms or grounds of any private club as described in Part 2 of Chapter 1 of this Article. If the owner,
manager or employee of such private club shall violate any law of the United States, of the State or of the City, or
permit the same or any of them to be violated within the club rooms or upon the club grounds, such license shall
be revoked.
DIVISION 3. FORTUNETELLING
Fortunetelling is the practice of predicting information about a person's life, future, or circumstances through various
methods.
6313. PERMIT AND COMPLIANCE WITH CONDITIONS REQUIRED
A. No person shall conduct, engage in, carry on, participate in, or practice fortunetelling or cause the same to
be done for pay without having first obtained a permit from the License Officer and without having posted
and maintained in full force and effect a surety bond as required by this Division.
B. No person shall violate any of the terms and conditions of a permit issued pursuant to this Article, nor any
of the regulations and provisions within this Article. Each day such a violation or violations occur shall
constitute a separate offense.
6313.01. PERMIT APPLICATION
A. Every natural person who, for pay, actively conducts, engages in, carries on, or practices fortunetelling shall
file a separate verified application for a permit with the License Officer. The application shall contain, but
not be limited to:
1. The name, home or business address, and business phone number and email address of the
applicant.
2. The record of conviction for violations of the law, excluding minor traffic violations.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 26 of 80
3. The fingerprints of the applicant on a form provided by the Arcadia Police Department.
B. The address, city and state, and the approximate dates where and when the applicant practices a similar
business, either alone or in conjunction with others.
6313.03. INVESTIGATION
Upon the filing of the application, it shall be referred by the License Officer to the Police Department for
investigation, report and recommendation. The investigation shall be conducted to verify the facts contained in the
application and any supporting data. The investigation shall be completed and a report and recommendation made
in writing to the License Officer within fourteen (14) days after the filing of the application, unless the applicant
requests or consents to an extension of the time period. If the report recommends denial of the permit to the
applicant, the grounds for the recommended denial shall be set forth. At the time of the filing of the report and
recommendation with the License Officer, a copy thereof shall be served personally or by certified mail by the License
Officer on the applicant.
6313.05. DECISION BY THE LICENSE OFFICER
A. The License Officer shall consider the application and the report and recommendation on or before the
seventh (7th) day after the filing of the report and recommendation referred to in the above subsection,
Section 6314.03 (Investigation)
B. The decision of the License Officer to grant or deny the permit shall be in writing, and if adverse to the
applicant, shall contain information on the applicant's right to appeal to the Hearing Officer.
6313.07. ISSUANCE OF PERMIT
A. The License Officer shall issue the permit when:
1. The applicant has complied with all of the provisions of this Article, and
2. The fee required by Part 2 of Chapter 1 of this Article for fortunetelling has been paid.
B. The term of any permit issued under this Section shall be one (1) year subject to renewal.
6313.09. PERMIT REVOCATION
Upon the discovery of any false or misleading statement in the application or any misrepresentation by the
applicant in procuring the permit or upon the termination of the bond required hereunder or upon the applicant's
violation of any provision of this Article, the License Officer may revoke the permit. The applicant shall have the right
to appeal any permit revocation to the Hearing Officer using the procedure as set forth in Division 1 of Part 1 of
Chapter 1 of this Article, Sections 6111.11 and 6111.13.
6313.11. EXCEPTIONS
A. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any person solely by reason of the fact because of their
engagement in the business of entertaining the public through demonstrations of mindreading, mental
telepathy, thought conveyance, or the giving of horoscopic readings, at public places and in the presence
of and within the hearing of other persons and at which no questions are answered, as part of such
entertainment, except in a manner to permit all persons present at such public place to hear such answers.
B. No person shall be required to pay any fee or take out any permit for conducting or participating in any
religious ceremony or service when such person holds a certificate of ordination as a minister, missionary,
medium, healer or clairvoyant, hereinafter collectively referred to as minister, from any bona fide church
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 27 of 80
or religious association maintaining a church and holding regular services and having a creed or set of
religious principles that is recognized by all churches of like faith; provided, that:
1. Except as provided in (3) hereof, the fees, gratuities, compensation, and profits thereof shall be
regularly accounted for and paid solely to or for the benefit of the bona fide church or religious
association, as defined in this subsection (B).
2. The minister holding a certificate of ordination from such bona fide church or religious association,
as defined in this subsection (B), shall file with the License Officer a certified copy of the minister's
certificate of ordination with the minister's name, age, street address, and phone number in this
City where the activity set forth in this subsection (B) is to be conducted.
3. Such bona fide church or religious association, as defined in this subsection (B), may pay to its
ministers a salary or compensation based upon a percentage basis, pursuant to an agreement
between the church and the minister which is embodied in a resolution and transcribed in the
minutes of such church or religious association.
PART 2. COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES
DIVISION 1. MASSAGE THERAPIST REGULATIONS
6321. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE
The City of Arcadia is authorized, by virtue of the State Constitution and Section 51031 of the Government
Code, to regulate massage therapists by conditioning the issuance of a license to engage in the business of massage
on reasonable standards relative to their skill and experience, and to regulate massage owners and operators of
massage therapy businesses to ensure the safety of clients receiving massage therapy.
While the City Council recognizes that Section 4612 of the Business and Professions Code and Section 51034
of the Government Code gives those individuals who are certified pursuant to Chapter 10.5 of the Business and
Professions Code the right to practice massage, those sections also gives the City the right to adopt reasonable
business licensing and health and safety requirements for massage establishments and businesses, including
requiring a conditional use permit (CUP) to operate.
The City Council finds and determines that the standards contained in this Division pertaining to massage
therapy business activities are necessary to protect the public health and safety and the personal safety of massage
therapists.
The City Council further finds that the public health and safety are best served by the adoption of an
ordinance providing for regulation of massage therapy business activities in a manner that is consistent throughout
the City of Arcadia, and that is consistent with State law (including, but not limited to Chapter 10.5 of the Business
and Professions Code - Sections 4600 et seq.).
The establishment of reasonable standards for issuance of a license and restrictions on massage therapy
business activities would serve to reduce the risk of illegal activities.
There is a significant risk of injury to massage clients by improperly trained and/or uneducated massage
therapists and this Division provides reasonable safeguards against injury and economic loss.
6321.01. DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Division, unless it is plainly evident from the context that a different meaning is
intended, the following definitions shall apply to this Division only:
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 28 of 80
Employ. Shall include, without limitation, contracting with independent contractors as well as hiring or
employing persons.
Employee. Shall include, without limitation, independent contractors and persons hired or employed by an
operator or owner of a massage therapy business.
Operator (or Owner). The individual(s) who are responsible for the management and/or supervision of a
massage therapy business. Whenever the term owner or operator is used in this Division, it shall be deemed to
include, without limitation, the manager of any massage therapy business.
6321.03. ACUPRESSURE
This Division shall also apply to the administration of acupressure, except as administered by licensed
acupuncturists.
6321.05. ZONING AND BUILDING LAWS APPLICABLE TO MASSAGE THERAPY BUSINESS
ACTIVITIES - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUIRED
No person shall engage in, conduct or carry on, or permit to be engaged in, conducted or carried on, any
massage therapy business within a structure, unless the structure is located in a zone where such use is permitted
and a conditional use permit has been obtained pursuant to the Arcadia Development Code, Chapter 1 of Article IX
of this Code. All such established businesses shall comply with all building and zoning regulations, the regulations of
this Division including licensing and permitting requirements, and all other applicable requirements of law.
6321.07. STATE MASSAGE CERTIFICATION REQUIRED TO CONDUCT MASSAGE THERAPY IN THE
CITY
On or after January 1, 2016, it shall be unlawful for any person to engage in massage therapy within the
City (whether having a fixed or mobile place of business within the City (e.g.: "out-call", "in-home" or "in-office"
services)), without having a valid Massage Certificate. To ensure compliance with this Code section, all massage
therapists must file a certified copy of their Massage Certificate with the City of Arcadia Development Services
Department - Business License Division. After successfully filing his or her Massage Certificate, all massage therapists
will be issued a City of Arcadia Massage Verification Card. The City shall charge no fee for review of a Massage
Certificate or issuance of a Massage Verification Card.
Notwithstanding the above, any person engaging in massage therapy under a valid Massage Therapist
Identification Card may continue to do so until January 1, 2016 and, prior to that date, a Massage Therapist
Identification Card shall be deemed equivalent to a Massage Certificate for purposes of compliance with this Division.
All Massage Therapist Identification Cards shall expire on January 1, 2016. Commencing on the effective date of this
Division, no further Massage Therapist Identification Cards will be issued or renewed.
Any Massage Therapist Identification Card remaining in effect may be suspended or revoked for violations
of this Division, this Code or State law, pursuant to the procedures contained in Division 1 of Part 1 of Chapter 1 of
this Article, Section 6111.11.
6321.09. BUSINESS LICENSE REQUIRED
Any person owning or operating a business that provides massage therapy shall apply for and obtain from
the City a Massage Business License. Obtaining the required business license includes obtaining approval from the
Department of Development Services, Planning Services, confirming that the proposed business location is in
compliance with applicable zoning, building and other codes or laws. The applicant shall file a written application on
the required form provided by the Development Services Department.
The following information, documents and other requirements shall be included with the submission of
such application:
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 29 of 80
A. The information required from all business license applicants, pursuant to Division 1 of Part 1 of Chapter 1
of this Article, Sections 6111 and 6111.01.
B. A statement in writing and dated by the applicant certifying under penalty of perjury that all information
contained in the application is true and correct,
C. A statement in writing and dated by the applicant certifying under penalty of perjury that he or she: (a) has
received a copy of this Division; (b) understands its contents; and (c) understands the duties of
owners/operators of businesses that provide massage therapy as provided in this Division,
D. Applicant's valid Massage Certificate or valid City of Arcadia Massage Verification Card, if applicant plans to
practice massage therapy, and
E. Proof that the applicant has obtained a conditional use permit from the City and is otherwise in compliance
with the City's zoning code.
6321.11. DENIAL, SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION OF MASSAGE THERAPY BUSINESS LICENSE;
APPEAL PROCEDURE AND REINSTATEMENT
A Massage Business License may be denied for the same reasons and on the same grounds as any other
business license in the City, pursuant to Division 1 of Part 1 of Chapter 1 of this Article, Section 6111.09.
A Massage Business License may be suspended or revoked by the City for the same reasons and on the
same grounds as any other business license in the City, pursuant to Division 1 of Part 1 of Chapter 1 of this Article,
Section 6111.11.
The appeal of a denial, suspension or revocation of a Massage Business License shall be governed by the
procedures set forth in Division 1 of Part 1 of Chapter 1 of this Article, Sections 6111.11 through 6111.21.
The reinstatement of a Massage Business License shall be governed by the procedures set forth in Division
1 of Part 1 of Chapter 1 of this Article, Section 6111.21.
6321.13. HOURS OF OPERATION
No massage therapist shall administer a massage in any established business between the hours of 9:00
p.m. and 7:00 a.m. A massage begun any time before 9:00 p.m. must nevertheless terminate at 9:00 p.m. All massage
customers, patrons and visitors shall be excluded from the massage therapy business during these hours and be
advised of these hours. The hours of operation must be displayed in a conspicuous public place within the established
business.
The operator must notify the City of any change in hours, of which the City has received any prior
notification, not later than seven (7) calendar days prior to said change.
6321.15. BUSINESS OWNER/OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITY
All massage therapy business owners and/or operators shall be responsible for the conduct of all employees
and independent contractors. Any act or omission of any employee or independent contractor constituting a
violation of the provisions of this Division shall be deemed the act or omission of the business owner for purposes
of determining whether the owner's license shall be revoked, suspended, denied or renewed.
No business owner and/or operator shall employ any person, or allow any person, to conduct a massage or
act as an independent contractor conducting massage who does not have a valid Massage Certificate and City of
Arcadia Massage Verification Card. In order to ensure compliance with these Code provisions, no massage therapy
business owner shall employ any person who has not shown them their valid Massage Certificate and City of Arcadia
Massage Verification Card.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 30 of 80
6321.17. RENEWAL OF MASSAGE THERAPY BUSINESS LICENSE
Owners and/or operators of businesses that provide massage therapy shall annually apply for renewal of
their Massage Business License. The owner and/or operator applicant shall pay a nonrefundable application renewal
fee at the time of filing a renewal application in the amount established by resolution of the City Council. as may be
amended from time to time. The owner of a business that provides massage therapy shall maintain a current
business license. Any owner and/or operator who currently possesses a business license allowing them to operate a
massage therapy business must, upon time for the renewal of their license, apply for a Massage Business License,
supplying the information as required of this Division.
6321.19. CHANGE OF INFORMATION
If, during the term of a Massage Therapy Business License, a massage therapist or an owner and/or operator
has any change of information submitted on the original application or license renewal application, the massage
therapist shall notify the License Officer of such change in writing within ten (10) business days thereafter.
6321.21. CESSATION OF MASSAGE THERAPY SERVICES
The massage therapist is required to notify the Business License Office by written notice, filed within fifteen
(15) business days after the last date of the performance or offering of massage therapy services, if he or she no
longer performs or offers massage therapy services in the City of Arcadia.
6321.23. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
A. It is unlawful for any massage therapist, employee, massage patron, or any other person present where
massage therapy services are being offered or performed, to expose or touch the genitals or anal area, or
the breast of any female, whether his or her own, or those of another person.
B. It is unlawful for any massage therapist, employee, massage patron, or any other person present where
massage therapy services are being offered or performed, to engage in any sexual activities.
C. It is unlawful for any massage therapist, employee, massage patron, or any other person present where
massage therapy services are being offered or performed, to be in a state of nudity or semi-nudity.
D. No massage therapist shall provide or offer to provide any massage therapy services to a minor unless the
minor's parent or legal guardian provides written permission.
E. No person shall enter, be in, or remain in, any area where massage therapy services are offered or
performed while in the possession of, consuming, using or under the influence of, any alcoholic beverage
or controlled substance. Service of alcoholic beverages shall not be permitted at any established business
where massage therapy services are being performed.
F. Massage patrons shall not be prohibited from the use of, or possession of, cellular phones, pagers or any
communication devices while massage therapy services are being offered or performed.
G. It is unlawful for any massage therapist, employee, massage patron, or any other person present where
massage therapy services are being offered or performed, to wear or have in their possession such items
as nightgowns, negligees, bathrobes, sexually oriented merchandise or condoms. Every business owner
and/or operator shall assure that such items are not being kept, possessed, stored or used on the business
premises.
H. No electrical, mechanical or artificial device shall be used for audio and/or video recording or for monitoring
the performance of a massage, or the conversation or other sounds in any massage room.
I. No person shall use or possess any sexually oriented merchandise in or on any part of a massage
establishment. For purposes of this subsection, "sexually oriented merchandise" shall mean sexually
oriented implements and paraphernalia, such as, but not limited to: dildos, auto sucks, sexually oriented
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 31 of 80
vibrators, edible underwear, benwa balls, inflatable orifices, anatomical balloons with orifices, simulated
and battery-operated vaginas, and similarly sexually oriented devices which are designed or marketed
primarily for the stimulation of human genital organs or sadomasochistic activity.
J. Except as provided herein, a massage therapy business may not lock any of its doors through which the
public enters from an outside location during business hours. This prohibition shall not apply to a massage
therapy business that is owned by one individual with one or no employees or independent contractors.
No massage therapy business may lock any of its internal doors leading to a room in which massage is
performed.
6321.25. OPERATIONS
A. Identification Cards. Each massage therapist shall at all times while on the massage therapy business
premises have in his or her possession their Massage Certificate, a valid photo identification, and their City
of Arcadia Massage Verification Card. Such card and identification shall be provided to the City upon
demand. Each owner and/or operator shall at all times while on the massage therapy business premises
have in his or her possession a copy of the Business License required by this Division and a valid photo
identification. Such card, license and identification shall be provided to the City upon demand.
B. Display of License. Each owner or operator of a massage therapy business shall display the Business License
Certificate issued pursuant to this Division in an open and conspicuous place on the business premises
where massage therapy services are performed.
C. Clothing. Each massage therapist and all other employees shall be fully clothed at all times in compliance
with the clothing standards set forth in section 4609(a)(10) of the Business and Professions Code.
D. Sterilizing Equipment. Each massage therapist shall provide and maintain at the business location where
the massage is performed adequate equipment for disinfecting and sterilizing instruments used in massage.
E. Covering. Each massage therapist shall provide to all massage patrons clean, sanitary and opaque coverings
capable of covering the massage patron's specified anatomical areas, including the genital, anal and female
breast area. Reuse is prohibited unless the covering is adequately cleaned.
F. Linen. Towels and linen shall be changed and laundered promptly after each use. Separate cabinets or
containers shall be provided for the storage of clean and soiled towels and linen.
G. Advertising. No massage therapist operating under this Division shall place, publish or distribute, or cause
to be placed, published or distributed, any advertising matter that depicts nudity or semi-nudity or employs
language in the text of such advertising that would reasonably suggest to a prospective massage patron
that any other services are available other than those services authorized by this Division.
H. Discrimination. No massage therapist may discriminate or exclude massage patrons on the basis of their
race, sex, religion, age, handicap or any other classification protected under federal or state laws, rules or
regulations.
I. Inspections and Searches. The business owner/operator, and massage therapist, as a condition to the
issuance of either each Business License or each Massage Therapist Identification Card, shall be deemed to
consent to the reasonable inspection of the business premises during regular business hours by the City
Development Services Department, Fire Department, Police Department and the Los Angeles County Health
Department for the purpose of determining that the provisions of this Division or other applicable laws or
regulations are met.
J. Lighting. The lighting in each massage room shall be at least one (1) sixty-watt white light bulb and shall be
activated at full wattage at all times (no dimming) while a massage patron is in such room or enclosure. No
strobe flashing lights may be used. No colored lights shall be used nor shall any coverings be used which
change the color of the primary light source.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 32 of 80
K. Ventilation. Ventilation shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of the building and
construction codes adopted by the City of Arcadia.
L. Building Permits. All building, plumbing and electrical installations shall be installed under permit and
inspected by the Development Services Department. Such installations shall be installed in accordance with
the applicable provisions of the building and construction codes adopted by the City of Arcadia.
M. Separate Sexes and Rooms. If male and female massage patrons are to be treated simultaneously, the
following shall be provided: separate treatment rooms (except in the case of consensual "couples massage"
whereby not more than two individuals may be treated simultaneously in the same room by two massage
therapists), separate dressing rooms and separate toilet facilities for each massage patron. Nothing in this
Division shall prevent a massage therapist of one sex from providing massage to a massage patron of the
other sex.
N. Maintenance. All facilities where massage therapy services are offered must be in good repair and shall be
thoroughly cleaned and sanitized each day the business is in operation. All walls, floors and ceilings of each
restroom and shower area shall be easily cleanable.
O. Massage Table. A massage table shall be provided in each massage room or enclosure and the massage
shall be performed on this massage table. The tables shall have a minimum height of eighteen inches (18").
Two-inch (2") thick foam pads with maximum width of four feet (4') may be used on a massage table and
must be covered with durable, washable plastic or other waterproof material. Beds, floor mattresses, table
showers and waterbeds are not permitted on the business premises.
P. Posting. Each service offered, the price thereof and the minimum length of time such service is performed
shall be posted in a conspicuous public location on the business premises. No services shall be performed
and no sums shall be charged for such services other than those posted.
Q. Wall/Window Requirements. The City may not require a massage therapy business to have windows or
walls that do not extend from the floor to ceiling, or have other internal physical structures, including
windows, that interfere with a client's reasonable expectation of privacy.
R. Roster of Employees. The business owner and/or operator shall maintain a register of all massage therapists
and employees, showing the name, nicknames and aliases used by the massage therapist or employee,
home address, age, birth date, gender, height, weight, color of hair and eyes, phone numbers, social
security number, date of employment and termination, if any, and duties of each employee. The above
information concerning each massage therapist and employee shall be maintained at the premises of the
business for a period of two (2) years following their termination. The business owner and/or operator shall
make the register of massage therapists and employees available immediately for inspection by the City
upon demand at all reasonable times.
S. Living and food prohibited. No person or persons shall be allowed to live inside the massage therapy
business at any time. All living quarters shall be separate from the massage therapy business. No food of
any kind shall be prepared for sale or sold in the business premises.
T. Preemption. In the event the terms and conditions of any current, valid Massage Certificate, or any
applicable regulation adopted by a state agency, conflict with or supersede the requirements of this Section,
a massage therapist or massage therapy business shall not be subject to the requirements of this Section
to the extent of any such conflict or inconsistency.
6321.27. EXEMPTIONS
The provisions of this Division, with the exception of those provisions relating to massage therapy business
ownership, shall not apply to any of the following:
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 33 of 80
A. State licensed physicians, surgeons, chiropractors, physical therapists, osteopaths, or any registered or
licensed vocational nurses working on the premises of, and under the direct supervision of, a State licensed
physician, surgeon, chiropractor or osteopath;
B. Barbers, beauticians, manicurists and pedicurists who are duly licensed under the laws of the State of
California, except that this exemption shall apply solely to the massaging of the scalp, face, neck, arms,
hands, or feet of the client for cosmetic or beautifying purposes;
C. Athletic trainers certified by the State of California performing training services for professionals, amateur
or school athletic events or practices; and
D. Duly licensed businesses and government agencies only with respect to on-site massage therapy services
which are offered and provided at the expense of the business or government agency, or at the expense of
their employees, exclusively to their respective employees, and not to the general public, solely as a benefit
of employment. Massage therapy provided hereunder must be provided by a person who (1) is a massage
therapist, as defined in Chapter 7 of this Article, who maintains a valid Massage Certificate, or (2) qualifies
for an exemption pursuant to subsections (A), (B) or (C) of this Section.
DIVISION 2. REGULATION OF WRITTEN MATERIALS
6322. REFUSAL REGISTER
A. The License Officer shall maintain a list of those businesses and residences whose occupants have submitted
a written expression of their unwillingness to receive unsolicited written material. Such list shall be known
formally as the "Refusal Register." Occupants listed on the register as not willing to receive unsolicited
written material may specify whether they wish to receive no unsolicited written material at all, or may
specify from whom they do or do not wish to receive unsolicited written material. Occupants may also
include the name or names of minors under the care and custody of such occupants at the particular
residence.
B. The License Officer shall update the refusal register on a quarterly basis throughout the year. The License
Officer shall remove any occupant or any minor under the occupant's care and custody at a particular
residence from the refusal register upon the request of such occupant.
C. The License Officer shall provide a free copy of the refusal register to any person so requesting.
6322.01. REGULATIONS GOVERNING DISTRIBUTION
It is unlawful for any person to distribute unsolicited written material in violation of the following regulations:
A. Unsolicited written material shall not be distributed to any business or residence that is listed on the most
recently updated refusal register as one who does not wish to receive written materials from the person
attempting to so distribute.
B. Unsolicited written material shall not be distributed to any business or residence that contains a "no
solicitation" sign conspicuously posted on, or near, the entrance or front door of the business or residence.
C. Unsolicited written material shall not be distributed by any person to any business or residence that
contains unremoved unsolicited written material of the same person where such unsolicited written
material is reasonably visible from the public right-of-way.
D. Unsolicited written material shall not be distributed to any business or residence at any location other than
at the doorknob or doorstep of such premises.
E. All unsolicited written material shall have printed thereon, or affixed in legible form, the name, address and
telephone number of the person responsible for the distribution of the unsolicited written material,
together with a legible notice informing the recipient that anyone who does not desire to receive such
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 34 of 80
unsolicited advertising material may so notify the person responsible for the distribution thereof or the
License Officer in writing.
F. Upon receipt of a notice pursuant to subsection (E) of this Section, the person responsible for distribution
of any unsolicited written material shall not distribute any further unsolicited written material in
contravention of such notice.
G. It is unlawful for any person to distribute unsolicited written material unless he or she has, upon his or her
person, a copy of the most recently updated copy of the refusal register, or the information contained in
the most recently updated refusal register.
H. The provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to the following:
1. The distribution of United States mail, telegrams or other matter preempted by state or federal
law; or
2. The posting or leaving of legally required notices; or
3. Distribution of any notices or other written material by persons employed by or acting at the
behest of the City of Arcadia, the State of California or the Federal government; or
4. Any written material which the occupant or owner has expressly requested in writing.
I. All unsolicited written material that is distributed in violation of this Division is designated as litter and a
nuisance pursuant to Government Code Section 38771.
J. Any person violating any provision of this Division, or failing to comply with any of its requirements, shall
be deemed guilty of either a misdemeanor or an infraction, punishable pursuant to Section 1200 of the
Arcadia Municipal Code.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 35 of 80
DIVISION 3. PEDDLERS AND SOLICITORS
6323. PEDDLING OR SOLICITATOR LICENSE
A business license is required for any individual who engages in peddling, which includes selling or offering for sale
any goods, wares, merchandise, liquids, or food intended for human consumption by traveling from house to house
or business to business. All licensed peddlers and solicitors shall carry an original business license, along with a
picture identification, at all times when peddling, and adhere to the following requirements:
1. No person shall engage in peddling or solicitation in any area of the city which is zoned for residential
uses under this Code between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.
2. No person shall affix any object to another person, onto private property, or public property without
first receiving permission from such person or the owner of the property.
3. No peddler shall continue to engage in peddling or solicitation directed at another person, if such
person informs the peddler of his or her desire not to be subject to peddling or solicitation.
6323.01. "NO PEDDLERS OR SOLICITORS" SIGNS
No peddler or solicitor selling, or pretending to sell, or offering for sale, or demonstrating or taking orders
for, or soliciting orders for, goods, wares or merchandise of any kind or character, or any article, material or
substance, shall ring the bell, or knock on the door of or attempt to gain admittance to any residence, dwelling, flat
or apartment whereon a sign bearing the words "No Peddlers or Solicitors", or words of similar import indicating
that peddlers or solicitors are not wanted on said premises, is painted or affixed or exposed to public view.
6323.03. EXCEPTION ON INVITATION
The provisions of this Division shall not apply to any peddler or solicitor who knocks at any door or rings any
bell at the invitation or with the consent of some member of the household at which he so applies for admission.
6323.05. PERSISTENCE AFTER REQUEST TO LEAVE
No person shall offer for sale, demonstrate, attempt to sell, or to solicit or attempt to solicit orders for
goods, wares or merchandise of any kind or character, or any article, material or substance, at or in any residence,
dwelling, flat or apartment after having been requested to leave such residence, dwelling, flat or apartment by the
person or tenant in lawful possession thereof.
6323.07. REFUSAL TO LEAVE ON REQUEST
No peddler or solicitor shall refuse to leave any residence, dwelling, flat or apartment, or any portion of the
premises thereof, when requested to leave by the tenant or person in lawful possession thereof.
6323.09. LEGISLATIVE POLICY
That the practice of going in and upon private residences in the City of Arcadia, California, by solicitors,
peddlers, hawkers, itinerant merchants, salesperson and transient vendors of merchandise, not having been
requested or invited so to do by the owner or owners thereof, by the occupant or occupants of said private residence,
or by the person or persons in lawful possession thereof, for the purpose of soliciting orders for the sale of services,
goods, wares and merchandise, or vending, peddling or hawking the same, is hereby declared to be a nuisance, and
punishable as such nuisance as a misdemeanor.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 36 of 80
6323.11. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
A. No solicitor, peddler, hawker, itinerant merchant, transient vendor of merchandise, salesman or other
person shall go in or upon any private residence in the City for the purpose of soliciting orders for the sale
of services, goods, wares or merchandise, or vending, peddling or hawking the same, unless such person
shall have first been requested or invited so to do by the owner, occupant or person in lawful possession of
such private residence.
B. The provisions of Sections 6324.09 (Legislative Policy) and subsection (A) above shall not apply to the
activities of any charity, nor shall they apply to any franchisee of the City of Arcadia with a valid franchise
from the City of Arcadia when the solicitation is related to the purpose and intent of said franchise and
further provided the prior consent of a majority of the City Council is obtained.
C. The provisions of Sections 6324.09 (Legislative Policy) and subsection (A) above shall not apply to the
solicitation or obtaining of subscriptions to newspapers of general circulation, published for the
dissemination of local or telegraphic news or intelligence of a general character and printed or published at
regular intervals, biweekly or more often.
6323.11 DUTIES
It shall be the duty of the License Officer or designee to investigate each application for a permit as
hereinafter provided by the provisions of this Chapter. He or she shall maintain each application on file, together
with his or her decision thereon, all of which shall be subject to public inspection at any reasonable time.
6323.13. POWERS
The License Officer or designee shall have the power to issue and deny permits as hereinafter provided; to
summon witnesses; to demand production of documents and things; to take testimony and to direct investigations
as hereinafter provided; and to do and to perform all other acts that may be necessary or proper within the scope
of his or her duties and functions.
6323.15 PERMIT REQUIRED
No person shall exercise, practice or engage in any activity as described in Division 1 of Part 1 of this Chapter
unless such person obtains a permit as provided in this chapter and pays the application and permit fees required
by this chapter.
6323.17. PERMIT APPLICATION CONTENTS
Each and every person desiring to practice, exercise or engage in any of the activities described in Division
1 of Part 1 of this Chapter shall personally appear before the License Officer or designee and file with him or her a
written, signed and acknowledged application, showing:
A. The true and fictitious names, aliases and residences of the applicant if an individual; the true and fictitious
names, aliases and residences of all members of the applicant if applicant is a firm, association or
partnership; the true and fictitious names, aliases and residences of the principal officers of the applicant if
the applicant is a corporation;
B. The length of service of the applicant with such firm, association, partnership, corporation or organization;
C. The place of birth, birth date and social security number of each and every person enumerated in subsection
(A) of this Section;
D. The city, county and state where the persons, enumerated in subsection (A) of this Section, practiced or
conducted any of the activities described in Division 1 of Part 1 of this Chapter, or any business or practice
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 37 of 80
kindred thereto within twelve (12) months previous to the date of said application and the name under
which the same was conducted;
E. The length of residence of the persons enumerated in subsection (A) of this Section within the City, if
applicable;
F. A statement of the nature and character of applicant's proposed practice or activity;
G. The nature and character of the goods, wares, merchandise or services to be offered by the applicant;
H. Whether the persons enumerated in subsection (A) of this Section have ever been convicted of a felony
involving murder, manslaughter, fraud, burglary or any sex crime as defined by California Penal Code
11105.2; if so, applicant shall state the nature of each offense, date of conviction, the sentence received
therefore and the court in which each conviction and sentence was entered;
I. Such other reasonable information as to the identity and background of the persons enumerated in
subsection (A) of this Section as the chief of police may require, including, but not limited to, a photograph
or photographs of said persons.
6323.19. PERMIT APPLICATION FEE
The fee that may be established by resolution of the City Council, as may be amended from time to time,
shall be paid simultaneously with the filing of each application for a permit required under this chapter, for the
purpose of defraying the expenses incidental to processing said application, including the expenses of investigating
applicant's character and background.
6323.21. FORM OF PERMIT
Permits issued under this chapter shall bear the name and address of the person to whom it is issued, the
number of the certificate, the date issued, the certificate's expiration date and the License Officer's or designee's
signature.
6323.23. TIME OF ISSUANCE
The License Officer or designee shall either grant or deny the requested certificate within ten (10) days of
the date the application is made. If the License Officer or designee fails to act within the time prescribed, the permit
shall be deemed granted.
6323.25. PERMIT GRANTING AND/OR DENIAL
A. After the receipt of a properly completed and filed application, if the application is accepted, the License
Officer or designee shall issue a permit, numbered and in due form, allowing the applicant to practice the
activities, proposed in said application upon payment of the prescribed permit fee, unless the applicant has
been convicted of one of the crimes enumerated in Section 6412.1(H) (Permit-Application-Contents).
B. The application may be rejected if the activities sought to be permitted do not comply in every way with
the rules, regulations and laws applicable thereto, or if the License Officer or designee determines, after
investigation, that the applicant's character or background is unsatisfactory. If the application is rejected,
the License Officer or designee will notify the applicant in writing, giving the reason for the same and shall
refund all the fees submitted with the application, save and except for costs incurred by the City in
investigating the same.
6323.27. PERMIT TRANSFER
No permit issued pursuant to this chapter shall be transferable to any person.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 38 of 80
6323.29. TERM OF PERMIT
Certificates issued hereunder shall be valid for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days unless revoked
pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter. A new application must be made for each certificate.
6323.31. PERMIT CANCELLATION
Upon the discovery of any false or misleading statements in the application or any misrepresentation by
the applicant in procuring said permit, the License Officer may, upon five (5) days' notice to said applicant, cancel
and annul said permit; whereupon the applicant shall be subject to the penalties prescribed in this code from and
after the date of the cancellation as though the permit had never been granted.
6323.33. PERMIT REVOCATION, SUSPENSION
A. Any permittee who commits any of the crimes specified in Section 6412.1(H) (Permit-Application-Contents)
is liable to have his or its permit suspended or revoked by the License Officer. The License Officer shall also
have the right to suspend or revoke such permit whenever it is shown to the satisfaction of the License
Officer that the activities so licensed are being conducted in a manner that is detrimental to the public
health, morals, peace, welfare or safety of the community. Any suspension or revocation shall cause to be
served upon the permittee a written notice specifying the grounds for said suspension or revocation and
informing the permittee of the hearing procedures before the Hearing Officer at which time the permittee
shall have the opportunity to be heard and to make his or her defense against any complaints and
allegations made as to his or her activities pursuant to this Chapter. Such written notice shall be served in
accordance with the provisions of Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6.
B. When a permit has been revoked, no other permit shall be issued under the provisions of this Chapter to
the same permittee within one (1) calendar year of the date of revocation or for such other specified,
certain, reasonable time determined by the Hearing Officer.
6323.35. COMPLIANCE REQUIRED
No person shall commence, engage in, carry on, exercise, practice or advertise that he will engage in, carry
on, exercise or practice any activity as described in Division 1 of Part 1 of this Chapter without first having procured
a permit as required by the permit provision of this Chapter, or without complying with any and all regulations of
such activity contained in this or any other provisions of this Code, or any City Ordinance. Engaging in or practicing
any activity described in Division 1 of Part 1 of this Chapter without first having procured such a permit when
required to do so, or without complying with any and all regulations of such activity contained in this Chapter, this
Code, or the City's Ordinances, constitutes a nuisance and a separate violation of this Chapter for each and every
day that such activity is so advertised, engaged in or carried on.
6323.37. APPEALS TO HEARING OFFICER
Any applicant for a permit may appeal the License Officer’s decision to the Hearing Officer, per the
procedures described in Division 1 of Part 1 of Chapter 1 of this Article, Sections 6111.11 and 6111.13.
6323.39. PERMIT EXEMPTIONS
The above provisions of this Division shall not apply to any person having an established route in the City,
to solicitation at wholesale on business premises within the City, or to charitable or religious solicitations that are
conducted solely by members of said charity or religion, at regular assemblies, meetings, services or otherwise.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 39 of 80
6323.41. PERMIT AND BADGE TO BE CARRIED ON PERSON
Each applicant for a permit must at all times keep on his person the permit issued by the License Officer or
designee. No person shall fail to wear a badge (as described herein) on his/her chest over the heart that indicates
the number of the solicitation permit, its expiration date and the name of the permit holder; all badges to be white
with black lettering that is legible at a distance of five feet (5') and to contain a photograph of the individual wearing
each badge that has been taken within the previous six (6) months of the date of solicitation.
6323.43. PROHIBITED ACTS WHILE SOLICITING, PEDDLING OR CANVASSING
For the purposes of this Section, the performance of one solicitation of any person by one individual contrary to any
subsection of this Section shall constitute a separate violation.
A. No person shall represent in any manner that the City, its departments or officers have endorsed the permit
holder or the products, services or causes on behalf of which individuals are being solicited, peddled or
canvassed.
B. No person shall affix any object to, or place any object on, the body of any person to whom any solicitation,
peddling or canvassing is directed without that person's express consent.
C. No person shall touch, brush up against, or otherwise voluntarily come into physical contact with any person
without that person's express consent.
D. No person shall willfully obstruct the movement of any person on any street, sidewalk or other public place.
E. No person shall solicit, peddle or canvass any person that has objected, by words or conduct, to such
soliciting, canvassing or peddling.
F. No person shall represent in any manner that the soliciting or peddling is conducted for anyone other than
the permit holder.
G. No person shall refuse to identify the permit holder on whose behalf the soliciting or peddling is being
conducted when requested to do so by any person contacted by the solicitor or peddler, or fail to truthfully
state the uses any solicited items will be put to, when requested to do so by any person being solicited.
H. No person shall threaten any injury or damage to any person who declines to be subject to any soliciting,
peddling or canvassing or who declines to make a purchase, donation or contribution.
I. No person shall accept food stamps as a contribution.
J. No person shall misrepresent one's physical or mental health while soliciting, peddling, or canvassing.
6323.45. SIGN POSTING
A. No peddler shall ring the bell of, knock on the door of or attempt to gain admittance to any residence,
dwelling or apartment whereon a sign bearing the words "No Peddlers" is painted, affixed or exposed to
public view.
B. No solicitor shall ring the bell of, knock on the door of or attempt to gain admittance to any residence,
dwelling, flat or apartment whereon a sign bearing the words "No Solicitors" is painted, affixed or exposed
to public view.
C. No canvasser shall ring the bell of, knock on the door of or attempt to gain admittance to any residence,
dwelling, flat or apartment whereon a sign bearing the words "No Canvassers" is painted, affixed or exposed
to public view.
D. No peddler or solicitor shall ring the bell of, knock on the door of, or attempt to gain admittance to any
residence, dwelling, flat or apartment whereon a sign bearing, the words "No Peddlers or Solicitors" or
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 40 of 80
words of similar import indicating that peddlers or solicitors are not wanted on said premises is painted,
affixed or exposed to public view.
E. This Section shall not apply to any peddler, solicitor or canvasser who rings the bell of or knocks on the door
of any residence, dwelling, flat or apartment at the invitation of or with the consent of some adult member
of the household of any such residence, dwelling, flat or apartment.
6323.47. HOURS
No person shall practice or engage in peddling, soliciting or canvassing, as described in Division 1 of Part 1
of this Chapter, whether for profit or for a non-profit purpose, by traveling from place to place, or from street to
street, between the hours of dusk and 8:00 a.m. of any day.
6323.49. DISTRIBUTION OF HANDBILLS EXCLUDED
Nothing in this Chapter shall prohibit persons from distributing handbills door-to-door within the City
without a permit. Distribution of handbills is subject to the requirements of Division 1 of Chapter 3 of Part 2 of Article
VI of this Code.
6323.51. CHARITABLE, RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL CANVASSING EXCLUDED
Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit persons from canvassing door-to-door within the City without a
permit, subject to the regulations set forth in this Chapter. Additionally, solicitation of donations made incidental to
such canvassing is excluded from the permit requirements of this Section, but not the provisions of Section 6412.27
(Prohibited Acts while Soliciting, Peddling, or Canvassing) of this Division.
6323.53. USE OF SOUND-MAKING, SOUND-AMPLIFYING DEVICES
No person shall peddle, solicit or canvass by driving, operating, propelling, stopping or parking any wagon,
cart, automotive vehicle or any other type of conveyance with a sound-making device, sound-amplifying device, or
loudspeaker thereof in use or operation or by making any outcry, blowing a horn, ringing a bell or using any sound
device or musical instrument upon any of the streets, alleys, parks or other public places of the city:
A. Whenever any such sound can be heard for a distance greater than three hundred feet (300');
B. When passing a hospital at any time or a place of worship during the hour services are being held therein;
C. Within five hundred feet (500') of the nearest property line of any property on which a school building is
located during the hours school is in session;
D. Between the hours of dusk and 8:00 a.m. of any day.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section, all persons who are permitted by the city to sell goods,
wares, merchandise, meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, garden truck, farm products or provisions, candy, ice cream,
popcorn, peanuts or any other edibles from a wagon, cart, automotive vehicle or any other type of conveyance, and
whose conveyances are equipped with sound apparatus emitting sounds and amplifying sounds, including but not
limited to music, shall not operate or use said apparatus unless such sounds, including but not limited to music,
emitted therefrom do not exceed ninety (90) decibels measured at a distance of ten feet (10′) from the speaker of
said apparatus.
6323.55 PERMIT HOLDER'S BOOKS AND RECORDS
Every person who engages in soliciting or peddling as permitted shall maintain a system of accounting
whereby all monies collected by such person are entered upon the books or records of such person.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 41 of 80
6323.57. INVESTIGATION OF SOLICITORS AND PEDDLERS
The License Officer or designee is authorized to investigate the affairs of any person engaged in soliciting
or peddling under a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this Chapter.
6323.59. MISREPRESENTATION PROHIBITED
No person shall directly or indirectly solicit, peddle or canvass for any purpose by misrepresentation of his
name, occupation, financial condition, social condition or residence, and no person shall make or perpetrate any
misstatement, deception or fraud in connection with any soliciting, peddling or canvassing for any purpose in the
City.
6323.61. SEPARATE VIOLATIONS
Each separate act of soliciting or peddling for any purpose without a permit shall constitute a nuisance and a separate
offense for each day such act is committed.
6323.63 PERMITTEE'S BOOKS AND RECORDS
Every person who solicits any contribution for a charitable purpose shall maintain a system of accounting
whereby all donations to and all disbursements by such person are entered upon the books or records of such
person.
6323.65. PERMITTEE'S REPORTS
Every person to whom a permit has been issued under this Part shall, within sixty (60) days after the
solicitation has been completed, furnish to the License Officer a detailed report and financial statement showing the
amount raised by the solicitation, the amount expended in collecting such funds, a detailed report of the wages,
fees, commissions and expenses paid to any person in connection with such solicitation, and the disposition of the
balance of the funds collected by the solicitation. This report shall be available for public inspection at the License
Officer's office. The permit holder shall make available to the License Officer, or to any person designated in writing
by the License Officer as their representative for such purpose, all books, records and papers whereby the accuracy
of such report may be checked.
6323.67. INVESTIGATION OF SOLICITORS
The License Officer is authorized to investigate the affairs of any person soliciting for charitable or religious
purposes under a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this Part, and may make public their written
findings in order that the public may be fully informed as to the affairs of any of said persons. All such persons shall
make available to the License Officer, or to any representative designated by them in writing for such specific
purpose, all books, records or other information reasonably necessary to enable the License Officer to fully and fairly
inform the public of all facts necessary to a full understanding by the public of the works and methods of operation
of such persons. Five (5) days before the public release of any findings under this Section, the License Officer shall
first serve a copy of said findings upon the person investigated, and at the time of the release of their findings they
must release a copy of any written statement filed by such person in explanation, denial or confirmation of said
findings.
6323.69. MISREPRESENTATION PROHIBITED
No person shall, directly or indirectly, solicit for any purpose by misrepresentation of his name, occupation,
financial condition, social condition or residence, and no person shall make or perpetrate any misstatement,
deception or fraud in connection with any solicitation for any purpose in the City, or in any application or report filed
under this Part.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 42 of 80
6323.71. FALSE APPLICATION
No person shall file or cause to be filed an application for a permit or certificate under this Part containing
false or fraudulent statements.
6323.73. SEPARATE VIOLATIONS
Each separate act of soliciting for any charitable purposes without a permit, or soliciting for any religious
purpose without a certificate, shall constitute a separate offense.
DIVISION 4. PRIVATE PATROLS
6324. PERMIT PROCEDURE
No person, either as owner, manager, employee or otherwise, shall solicit for, manage, conduct, carry on
or assist in the solicitation for, management, conducting or carrying on of the business of a private patrol without
having obtained a written permit from the License Officer pursuant to Chapter 3 of this Article, and without paying
the license fee required by Part 2 of Chapter 1 of this Article for private patrols.
6324.01. APPROVAL
The License Officer shall first satisfy himself or herself that the management, conduct or carrying on of said
private patrol will comport with the public welfare and for this purpose may consider any facts or evidence bearing
on the moral fitness, ability, qualifications and character of any person or persons who will be in charge of, manage,
conduct, or carry on said private patrol, and may require the submission of any facts or evidence tending to enlighten
it in this respect.
6324.03. LIABILITY INSURANCE
A certificate of insurance shall be provided to the City of Arcadia and approved by the City Attorney. The
certificate of insurance shall stipulate that the insurance will not be cancelled, reduced or allowed to expire unless
ten (10) day prior written notice is provided to the City of Arcadia and shall name the City of Arcadia, its officers and
employees, as an additional insured in the amount of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000).
6324.05. DISPLAY OF PERMIT AND LICENSE
The license and permit required for any business or occupation specified in this Division shall be conspicuously
displayed in or at the place of business of the licensee, except that in all instances in which a license and permit are
issued for the carrying on of any business conducted personally, the license and permit therefor shall be carried
upon the person of the individual operating thereunder at all times while engaged in such business.
DIVISION 5. RUBBISH COLLECTION, HAULING OR DISPOSAL
6325. PERMIT REQUIRED
No person shall collect, haul or dispose of commercial refuse in the City without obtaining a permit to do
so pursuant to Chapter 3 of this Article.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 43 of 80
6325.01. REGULATIONS
No person collecting, hauling or disposing of garbage, dry garbage, refuse or rubbish in the City shall fail
to comply with all applicable provisions of Chapter 1 of Article V of this Code.
6325.03. LIMITATION
No more than three (3) permits for the collection, hauling or disposing of commercial refuse in the City shall
be in effect at any one time; provided, however, that no permit renewal shall be denied to a hauler holding a permit
as of June 30, 2003, if the hauler meets and complies with all applicable City requirements.
A. Santa Anita Race Track (SART) Permit and Refuse Fee. The above limitation shall not apply to Santa Anita
Race Track. A special refuse permit shall apply to SART to allow for commercial collectors who may not hold
a permit pursuant to this Section, subject to payment of a permit fee as follows:
1. The Santa Anita Race Track shall be billed quarterly in the amount established in the City’s
Resolution to fund the cost of preparing, adopting, implementing and administering the source
reduction and recycling element and the integrated waste management plan mandated by Public
Resource Code 40000 et seq.
B. Commercial Refuse Fee. Each commercial/industrial waste hauler shall pay a permit fee to the City in the
amount of nine and one-half percent (9.5%) of any and all gross monthly receipts resulting from the
operation of business in the City. This fee shall be charged to fund the cost of preparing, adopting,
implementing and administering the source reduction and recycling element and the integrated waste
management plan mandated by Public Resources Code 40000 et seq. This fee shall be in addition to any
other fee or charge for solid waste collection authorized by this Code, and may be subsequently amended
by resolution of the City Council.
1. Purpose of Calculation/Gross Receipts. For the purposes of calculation of such a permit fee, "gross
monthly receipts" means any and all compensation received by the permitted haulers in
connection with collecting, transporting, disposing and/or recycling of solid waste kept,
accumulated or produced in the City plus any and all such compensation received by the waste
hauler or the waste hauler's subcontractors in connection with collecting, transporting, disposing,
and/or recycling of solid waste produced, kept or accumulated in the City, with the exception of
compensation received from the sale of material recovered through recycling.
2. Method of Calculation and Payment. Each month a permit fee shall be calculated as nine and one-
half percent (9.5%) of the gross monthly receipts received in the preceding calendar month. The
permit fee must be received by the City no later than the last day of the month following the month
which is being reported.
3. Requirements for Reporting Business Activity. The waste hauler shall file a monthly collection
report to the City, and it must be received by the City no later than the last day of the month
following the month which is being reported. The report shall include the following information:
a. Total tonnage of solid waste disposed;
b. Total number of accounts served;
c. Total gross receivables for the month.
4. City Inspection Authority. The permitted haulers shall maintain accurate and complete books and
accounts of all revenues and income arising out of its operations under the permit granted and in
a manner which conforms with generally accepted accounting principals. The waste hauler's
books, accounts and records, arising out of or related to its operations under the permit granted,
shall at all times be open to inspection, examinations and audit by authorized officers, employees
and agents of the City.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 44 of 80
5. Definition of Waste. In addition to those definitions set forth in Part 1 of Chapter 1 of Article V of
this Code, solid waste shall include all solid, semisolid, and liquid wastes, including garbage, trash,
refuse, paper, rubbish, ashes, industrial wastes, demolition and construction wastes, abandoned
vehicles and parts thereof, discarded appliances, treated or chemically fixed sewage sludge which
is not hazardous waste, manure, vegetable and animal solid and semisolid wastes, and other
discarded solid and semisolid wastes excluding hazardous, infectious wastes and liquid waste.
6325.07. APPLICATION PROVISIONS
Every application for a permit under this Division shall contain, in addition to the information required by
Division 1 of Part 1 of Chapter 3 of Article VI of the Arcadia Municipal Code, the following:
A. A statement of facts evidencing the applicant's ability to supply the service for which the permit is required
including financial responsibility, technical ability, experience and the availability of additional equipment
for use in the event of loss, destruction, damage or breakdown of the equipment regularly used in rendering
service under such permit.
B. The name and address of the person or persons who shall be responsible for the compliance with all of the
provisions applicable to such permittee. Before any permit issued under this Division shall be operative,
such person shall in writing acknowledge receipt of a copy of all permit conditions and shall agree to be
personally responsible for compliance therewith.
C. Names, titles and addresses of the owners of the business conducted by applicant if said business is a sole
proprietorship, joint venture or co-partnership; the names, titles and addresses of the officers, directors
and shareholders of applicant if applicant is a corporation; names and addresses of the trustor, trustee and
beneficiaries if the business conducted by applicant is conducted by or as a trust.
D. A description of all equipment proposed to be used in performing the service under any permit issued
pursuant to this Division including the height and capacity of all such vehicles. No other equipment may be
used in the performance of any service under such permit without the prior consent of the City Manager.
E. A statement of the area or areas within the City which the applicant proposes to serve; a statement of the
maximum charges to be made by permittee for any service rendered in said area or areas and under such
permit; and an agreement that the applicant will if granted a permit collect refuse anywhere within said
area or areas where he may lawfully do so at rates equal to or less than those specified in his application.
F. A schedule of days and hours applicant proposes to collect garbage, refuse or rubbish within the City and
an agreement that applicant will at applicant's sole expense notify each of applicant's customers in writing
at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to any change from said schedule of collection.
6325.09. INSURANCE
No permit required by this Division shall be issued unless and until the applicant files with the City a
certificate of liability insurance evidencing insurance coverage in the following amounts:
Bodily injury/auto and other: $1,000,000 each person
$2,000,000 each accident
Property damage/auto: $1,000,000 each accident
Property damage/except auto: $1,000,000 each accident
Said certificate shall likewise evidence the fact that the City is named as an additional insured in the
insurance policy thereby evidenced, and shall further provide that the insurance thereby evidenced shall not be
cancelled, allowed to lapse or expire or be reduced in amount during the term of any such permit unless the City be
given at least twenty (20) days' notice in writing by the insurer prior to any such cancellation, lapsing, expiration or
reduction in coverage.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 45 of 80
6325.11. EQUIPMENT, ENCLOSED BODY
A. Every vehicle subject to this Division regularly used in the collecting, hauling or disposing of dry garbage,
refuse (both residential and commercial) and rubbish as same are defined in Part 1 of Chapter 1 of Article
V, on established routes, shall be equipped with a completely enclosed compactor-type body. Every vehicle
used for the collection or hauling of garbage as defined by Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Article V of this Code shall
be equipped with a completely enclosed water-tight metal body and shall be so loaded at all times as to
prevent spillage or leakage therefrom. Except when the same are actually being loaded or unloaded, all
such vehicles shall be kept entirely closed so that none of the contents thereof may spill or drop from such
vehicle.
B. Each vehicle used for collecting, hauling or disposing of residential or commercial refuse in the City shall be
inspected and certified twice each year by the California Highway Patrol. Notice of such certification shall
be filed with the License Officer and the Chief of Police each June and December prior to the issuance of a
business license, and as vehicles are placed into service. Failure to submit required notice of such
certification shall be grounds for suspending the Contractor's business license until a notice evidencing
passage of inspection as required is received by the License Officer and Police Chief.
C. All vehicles operated under the provisions of this Division shall at all times be maintained in a safe and
sanitary condition, painted and cleaned to reflect a neat appearance. The Chief of Police may cause any
such vehicle to be inspected and tested at any time in such manner as may be appropriate to determine
that such vehicle is being maintained in compliance with the provisions of this Division and in compliance
with the provisions of the California Vehicle Code.
D. No vehicle used for collection, hauling or disposing of garbage, dry garbage, refuse or rubbish subject to
this Division shall be loaded in excess of the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating or in excess of the
maximum weights specified by the California Vehicle Code, whichever is less.
E. Every permittee under this Division shall maintain on each side of every cab or body of each vehicle used in
the collecting, hauling or disposing of garbage or refuse the name and phone number of the company or
person to whom such permit has been granted in letters and numbers not less than three inches (3") in
height and one and one-half inches (1½″) in width and in a color sharply contrasting with the color of such
vehicle. In addition, every permittee under this Division shall maintain in or upon every vehicle subject to
this Division and available for inspection at all times, evidence of the manufacturer's name and gross vehicle
weight rating for said vehicle.
F. Each vehicle used for collecting, hauling or disposing of residential or commercial refuse shall be equipped
with an audible warning device that is activated when the vehicle is backing up.
6325.13. OWNERSHIP
No permit shall be issued to any person or company controlled directly or indirectly by any other person or
company to whom a permit has been issued pursuant to this Division or who owns or controls directly or indirectly
any person or company holding a permit issued pursuant to this Division.
6325.15. REMOVAL OF SPILLAGE
No permittee under this Division shall fail to pick up and remove all refuse which has been spilled or dropped
on public or private property in the course of collecting or hauling of garbage or refuse. All expenses incurred by the
City in the collection and disposal of any such spilled or dropped garbage or refuse shall be paid to the City, on
demand, by the permittee causing or permitting such spilling or dropping of refuse.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 46 of 80
6325.17. PRODUCTION OF CUSTOMER LISTS, RATES AND OWNERSHIP STATEMENT
Every person or company holding a permit pursuant to this Division shall, within fourteen (14) days of
demand made in writing by the City Manager, produce for his inspection on a form prescribed by the Manager, a list
of the names and addresses of commercial refuse collection customers served by the permittee within the City of
Arcadia, a statement setting forth frequency of collection from said customers, a list of the rates charged each such
customer for said service, a profit and loss statement of permittee's operations pertaining to garbage, residential
combustible and noncombustible refuse and commercial refuse collection, hauling and disposal within the City for
the previous year in a form satisfactory to the City Manager and a statement of the current information required by
subdivision (c) of Section 6333.07 (Application Provisions). Said information shall be certified as true and correct
under penalty of perjury by permittee. Information obtained by virtue of this Section shall be and remain confidential
information and not a public record.
6325.19. SUSPENSION
The Chief of Police may at any time suspend any permit issued pursuant to this Division if he finds that any
equipment of the permittee used in the collection or hauling of garbage or refuse in the City fails to comply with any
applicable regulation. Such suspension shall remain in effect until the License Officer shall set aside such suspension,
extend such suspension for a specific period of time and upon specified conditions, or revoke the permit.
DIVISION 6. SIDEWALK AND PARKING LOT SALES
6326. COMMERCIAL USE OF SIDEWALK
Except as otherwise expressly provided in the Arcadia Municipal Code, no person shall conduct any
commercial activity on a public street, sidewalk or parkway.
6326.01. CONDITIONS OF SIDEWALK AND PARKING LOT SALES
No merchant, vendor or seller shall place his goods, wares or merchandise outside of his building for the
purpose of storage, advertising, display or sale except upon applying for and receiving a permit as set forth in Division
5 of Part 2 of Chapter 3 of this Article, and such sidewalk or parking lot sales shall be permitted only in accordance
with the regulations set forth in this Section:
A. No business shall participate in more than two (2) sidewalk or parking lot sales in any calendar year. No
such sale may be conducted for more than two (2) consecutive days and shall be held not earlier than 9:00
a.m. nor later than 9:00 p.m.
B. Sidewalk and parking lot sales may only be conducted in Downtown Mixed Use (DMU) or less restrictive
zones.
C. Only the goods, wares or merchandise normally of the type sold on the premises may be offered for sale
and such sale may only be conducted within the extended lot lines of the premises offering such goods for
sale.
D. For parking lot sales, twenty-five percent (25%) of the parking area may be utilized for the sales or display
of merchandise. If the parking provided exceeds Code requirements, those additional spaces may be
utilized.
E. Each sidewalk sale shall include the participation of a minimum of thirty percent (30%) of the businesses on
a block face.
F. No merchandise or signs shall be displayed within fifty feet (50') of a residentially zoned property.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 47 of 80
G. Tables, racks and other displays or merchandise may be placed on sidewalks provided that a walkway of a
minimum width of seven feet (7') be left clear adjacent to the curb and, provided further, that all doorways,
alleyways, driveways and other means of ingress or egress to adjoining buildings and property shall remain
clear of obstruction.
H. Any signs shall be permitted only during the conduct of the event and shall be approved as to size and place
by the Development Services Director or designee at the time of application approval.
6326.03. PURPOSE OF STREET VENDING PROVISIONS
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.
6326.05. PERMITS REQUIRED
A. All sidewalk vendors shall obtain a sidewalk vending permit from the License Officer prior to engaging in
any sidewalk vending activities. All sidewalk vendors must have a valid business license issued by the City.
As part of its application for a business license, the sidewalk vendor shall furnish to the City evidence of
insurance, against liability for death or injury to any person as a result of ownership, operation, or use of its
vendor. The City's insurance requirements are on file and available for inspection, or a copy may be
obtained, at the office of the City Clerk, Arcadia City Hall. The following information shall be required.
1. Name, current mailing address, and phone number of the vendor; and
2. If the vendor is an agent of an individual, company, partnership, or corporation, the name and
business address of the principal; and
3. A description of the merchandise/goods to be offered for sale or exchange, and the days/hours of
sales; and
4. 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
5. A copy of the valid California Driver's license or California Identification Card issued to the vendor;
or
A copy of the individual taxpayer identification number issued to the vendor; or
A municipal identification number.
a. 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.
6. If preparing or selling food, a copy of the Los Angeles County Environmental Health Department
permit issued to the vendor; and
7. If the vendor proposes to be a sidewalk vendor, 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 (36") of accessible route area, in compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act; and
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 48 of 80
8. If the vendor proposes to be a sidewalk vendor, an encroachment permit pursuant to Part 7 of
Chapter 2 of Article VII of this Code; and
9. A copy of general liability policy naming the City as additional insured in the amount of $500,000.
10. A certification by the vendor that to his or her knowledge and belief, the information contained in
the application is true.
B. At the time the application or renewal application is filed, the applicant shall pay the permit processing fee
established by separate resolution of the City Council, as may be amended from time to time.
6326.07. REVIEW OF PERMIT APPLICATION; DECISION
A. Upon acceptance of a properly completed and filed sidewalk vendor permit application, the License Officer
shall conduct a preliminary investigation to determine compliance with this Chapter and shall make such
determination within no more than thirty (30) days of acceptance to approve or deny the application. The
License Officer shall provide the applicant with written notice of his or her decision to the address indicated
in the application.
B. The License Officer may deny an application for a permit if an applicant fails to meet any of the
requirements for a new permit, or if he or she makes any of the following findings:
1. The applicant has failed to pay any fees or charges.
2. The applicant has made one or more material misstatements in the application for a permit.
3. The applicant does not have a valid social security card or valid California Driver's license or
Identification Card; or valid individual taxpayer identification number.
4. The applicant does not provide a certificate of liability insurance.
5. The applicant's vending operation, as described in the application, is inconsistent with the
standards, conditions, and requirements of this Chapter.
6. 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.
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. Exemptions. A sidewalk vending permit shall not be required for the following activities:
1. The sale of agriculture products on the site where the product is grown.
2. Catering for private parties held exclusively on private property and not open to the general public.
3. 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.
E. Term of permit. A sidewalk vending permit issued pursuant to this Chapter shall automatically expire one
(1) year from the date issued, unless an earlier expiration date is noted on the permit.
F. 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.
6326.09. RENEWAL OF SIDEWALK VENDING PERMIT
All sidewalk vendors shall annually apply for renewal of their sidewalk vending permit from the License
Officer prior to continuing to engage in any sidewalk vending activities. Any sidewalk vendor who currently possesses
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 49 of 80
a sidewalk vending permit allowing them to operate a vending operation must, upon time of renewal of their license,
apply for a sidewalk vending permit, supplying the information as required above in Section 6336.05 (Permits
Required) of this Division.
6326.11. STATIONARY SIDEWALK VENDING LOCATIONS AND STANDARDS
A. Stationary sidewalk vendors shall be prohibited from operating or establishing in any residential zone of
the City. Stationary sidewalk vendors may operate in non-residential zones of the City, including mixed use
zones, provided they meet the following:
1. The sidewalk vendor is duly licensed, with a business license and sidewalk vending permit
displayed at all times, and meets all requirements outlined above in Section 6336.05 (Permits
Required) of this Division; and
2. The sidewalk vendor can set up their vending operation while still leaving a minimum of thirty-six
inches (36") of accessible path of travel, without obstruction, along the public sidewalk or public
pathway; and
3. Sidewalk vending hours shall be conducted between the hours of 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM of every
day; and
4. The sidewalk vendor maintains the vending area in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition;
removes litter caused by its products from any public or private property within a 25-foot radius
of the sidewalk vendor's location; and
5. The sidewalk vendor location does not block entrances to private buildings, private driveways,
parking spaces or building windows, and driveway and intersection visibility; and
6. No vending shall occur within ten (10) feet of a fire hydrant, fire escape, bus stop, loading zone,
handicapped parking space or access ramp, fire station driveway, or police station driveway; and
7. No tables, chairs, fences, shade structures, other site furniture, or any freestanding signs shall be
permitted in conjunction with the vendors vending activities; and
8. The vendor shall not attach or use any water lines, electrical lines, or gas lines during vending
operations; and
9. Exterior storage or display of refuse, equipment, materials, goods, wares, or merchandise
associated with the vendor is prohibited; and
10. No vending shall occur within the immediate vicinity of a Certified Farmers' Market, a Swap Meet
or an event held pursuant to a Temporary Event Permit.
11. The vendor shall not discharge any liquid (e.g. water, grease, oil, etc.) onto or into city streets,
storm drains, catch basins, or sewer facilities. All discharges shall be contained and properly
disposed of by the vendor.
6326.13. SIDEWALK VENDING IN PARKS, CERTIFIED FARMER'S MARKETS
A. Sidewalk vending of food or merchandise by roaming or stationary vendors shall be prohibited in any City
Park with a concession stand operated by a vendor under exclusive contract with the City selling similar
food or merchandise or in an area occupied by a Certified Farmer's Market.
B. Subject to Section 6336.5(A) (Permits Required), sidewalk vendors may operate in City Parks provided they
meet the following:
1. The sidewalk vendor is duly licensed, with a business license and sidewalk vending permit
displayed at all times, and meets all requirements outlined above in of Section 6336.03 of this
Division (Purpose of Street Vending Provisions); and
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 50 of 80
2. For stationary sidewalk vending, the sidewalk vendor can set up their vending operation while still
leaving a minimum of thirty-six inches (36") of accessible path of travel, without obstruction, along
the public sidewalk or public pathway; and
3. The sidewalk vendor shall cease operations one (1) hour prior to the close of the park; and
4. The sidewalk vendor maintains the vending area in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition, and
removes litter caused by its products within a 25 foot radius of the vending location, and
5. The sidewalk vendor location does not block entrances to buildings, driveways, parking spaces, or
building windows; and
6. No vending shall occur within the immediate vicinity of an event held pursuant to a Temporary
Event Permit; and
7. In City Parks that are located within a residential area, where stationary sidewalk vending is
prohibited, as described above in Section 6336.09 (Renewal of Sidewalk Vending Permit) of this
Chapter, only roaming sidewalk vendors shall be allowed in such Parks; and
8. The City can impose regulations to limit the number of sidewalk vendors in City Parks to limit the
undue concentration of commercial activity that unreasonably interferes with the scenic and
natural character of the park or necessary to endure the public's use and enjoyment of the natural
resources and recreational opportunities of City parks.
6326.15. ROAMING SIDEWALK VENDING
A. Roaming sidewalk vendors shall meet the following:
1. The sidewalk vendor is duly licensed, with a business license and sidewalk vending permit
displayed at all times, and meets all requirements of section 6336.03 (Purpose of Street Vending
Provisions) of this Division; and
2. Sidewalk vending hours for residential zones shall be conducted between the hours of 7:00 AM
and 6:00 PM Monday through Friday and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, and no Sundays or
holidays; and
3. Sidewalk vending hours for non-residential zones shall be conducted between the hours of 7:00
AM and 10:00 PM every day; and
4. The sidewalk vendor maintains their temporary vending area in a clean, orderly, and sanitary
condition and removes litter caused by its products within a 25-foot radius of the vending location;
and
5. The sidewalk vendor does not block entrances to buildings, driveways, parking spaces, or building
windows; and
6. The sidewalk vendor does not conduct sales from a public street; and
7. No vending shall occur within the immediate vicinity of a Certified Farmers' Market, or a Swap
Meet; and
8. The vendor shall not discharge any liquid (e.g. water, grease, oil, etc.) onto or into city streets,
storm drains, catch basins, or sewer facilities. All discharges shall be contained and properly
disposed of by the vendor.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 51 of 80
6326.17. SUSPENSION; RESCISSION
A. A sidewalk vendor permit issued under this Chapter may be suspended or rescinded by the License Officer
after four or more violations of this Chapter in accordance with Section 6336.15 (Roaming Sidewalk
Vending) of this Chapter, at their discretion, for any of the following causes:
1. Fraud or misrepresentation in the course of vending;
2. Fraud or misrepresentation in the application for the permit;
3. 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.
C. No person whose street vending permit has been revoked pursuant to this Chapter shall be issued a street
vending permit for a period of two (2) years from the date revocation becomes final.
6326.19. APPEALS
In the event that any applicant or permittee desires to appeal from any order, rescission, or other ruling of
the License Officer made under the provisions of this Chapter, such applicant or any other person aggrieved shall
have the right to appeal such action as prescribed in Division 1 of Part 1 of Chapter 1 of this Article, Section 6111.11.
6326.21. 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 by 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 (1) year of the first
violation.
3. An administrative fine not exceeding $500 for each additional violation within one (1) year of the
first violation.
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 two hundred fifty ($250) dollars for a first violation.
2. An administrative fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500) for a second violation within one
(1) year of the first violation.
3. An administrative fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each additional violation
within one (1) 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.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 52 of 80
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 Government Code section
68632, the City shall accept, in full satisfaction, twenty (20) percent 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.
DIVISION 7. MOTION PICTURE FILMING
6327. FILM PERMIT
A film permit shall be required for any filming activity, including the staging, shooting, filming, videotaping,
photographing, or other similar process conducted for the making of still photographs, motion pictures, television
programs, commercial, and nontheatrical film productions. A film permit shall not be required for filming activities
conducted for news purposes or conducted exclusively for private or family use.
6327.01. APPLICATION
All applicants shall complete a City of Arcadia film permit application package and all required forms
contained therein prior to the issuance of a film permit. The forms shall require a detailed description of the
filming and the equipment to be used.
6327.03. SCOPE OF PERMIT
Each film permit issued shall authorize only the filming location and the filming dates listed on the film
permit application form. An approved film permit is required prior to the start of any filming activity.
6327.05. SEPARATE PERMIT
A separate film permit and fee is required for each filming location and for each set of filming dates. Set of
filming dates shall mean the dates requested on the original application. The dates do not necessarily need to be
consecutive.
6327.07. FILM PERMIT APPROVED
Permits will only be issued after they have been reviewed and approved by the License Officer, or designee,
consistent with the designated film permit policy as set forth in the film permit application package.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 53 of 80
6327.09. COST OF CITY SERVICES
The City will have the right to require police, fire, or other city services as part of the film permit process.
The applicant shall pay directly for all services provided by the City. The fee for services will be the cost incurred by
the City for providing the services. City may require a deposit applicable to these costs.
6327.11. WRITTEN NOTIFICATION
Each applicant shall notify, in writing, all of the properties which are immediately adjacent to the filming
location prior to the start of filming as defined in the film permit application package. The written notification shall
include a general description of the filming activity that will take place and the dates and times when the filming
activity is scheduled.
6327.13. FEE AMOUNT
The film permit fee is as defined in the City’s Resolution, as may be amended from time to time.
6327.15. WAIVER OF FEES
The License Officer, or designee, may waive a film permit fee if the applicant is a student or a local charitable
organization with documented proof of this status.
6327.17. REVOCATION OR DENIAL OF APPLICATION
The License Officer, or designee, may revoke the film permit or deny approval of film application if any of
the following circumstances occur:
A. There has been a misrepresentation in the permit application with respect to the nature of the film activity,
the number of personnel or equipment, or other relevant matter.
B. Where the filming activity, as conducted, has become a hazard to persons or property, or unduly disruptive
to neighboring residents and/or businesses.
C. Where the film activity goes beyond the hours specified in the film permit.
D. Where any provision of the fire/life safety requirements has not been corrected after notification by
police/fire personnel.
E. For failure to comply with insurance requirements and maintain satisfactory insurance at all times during
applicant's activities in the City.
F. Failure to abide by and comply with the terms and conditions of this permit.
G. Allowance of conditions and/or actions that constitute a public nuisance or otherwise disturb or disrupt the
neighborhood.
Revocation for any of the reasons set forth above shall be grounds to deny subject applicant subsequent permits.
PART 3. ADULT BUSINESSES
DIVISION 1. ADULT BUSINESS PERFORMER LICENSE
6331. PURPOSE
It is the purpose and intent of this Chapter to provide for the licensing of adult business performers in order
to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the City. The goals of the performer licensing
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 54 of 80
provisions are: (1) to protect minors by requiring that all performers be over the age of eighteen (18); (2) to assure
the correct identification of persons performing in adult businesses; (3) to enable the City to deploy law enforcement
resources effectively; and (4) to detect and discourage the involvement of crime in adult businesses by precluding
the licensing of performers with certain sex-related convictions in a set time period. It is neither the intent nor the
effect of these regulations to invade the privacy of performers or to impose limitations or restrictions on the content
of any communicative material. Similarly, it is neither the intent nor the effect of these regulations to restrict or deny
access by adults to communicative materials or to deny access by the distributors or exhibitors of adult businesses
to their intended lawful market. Nothing in these regulations is intended to authorize, legalize, or permit the
establishment, operation, or maintenance of any business, building, or use which violates any City Ordinance or any
statute of the State of California regarding public nuisances, unlawful or indecent exposure, sexual conduct,
lewdness, obscene or harmful matter, or the exhibition or public display thereof.
The definitions contained in the Arcadia Municipal Code, specifically those found in the Arcadia
Development Code, Division 9 of Chapter 1 of Article IX of this Code, shall govern for purposes of these regulations.
6331.01. ADULT BUSINESS PERFORMER LICENSE
A. No performer shall be employed, hired, contracted for or otherwise retained in an adult business to
participate in or give any live performance displaying specified anatomical areas or specified sexual
activities without first having a valid adult business performer license issued by the City.
B. Consistent with Chapter 4B of Article I of this Code, for purposes of enforcing Division 1, Part 3 of Article VI
of the Arcadia Municipal Code (Adult Business Performer License - Sections 6331 et seq.) Officer shall mean
the License Officer or his or her designee.
C. License applicants shall file a written, signed, and verified application or renewal application on a form
provided by the Officer. Such application shall contain the following information, necessary for the City to
determine an applicant's ability to function responsibly in an adult business setting, and be accompanied
by the following documents:
1. The license applicant's legal name and any other names (including "stage names" and aliases) used
by the applicant.
2. Age, date and place of birth.
3. Height, weight, hair and eye color and tattoo descriptions and locations.
4. Each present and/or, as the case may be, proposed business address(es) and telephone number(s)
of the establishments at which the applicant intends to work.
5. Driver's license or identification number and state of issuance.
6. Social Security number.
7. Satisfactory written proof of verifiable identification establishing that the permit applicant is at
least eighteen (18) years of age or twenty-one (21) years of age if the performance is to occur in a
Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control ("ABC") regulated establishment.
8. The license applicant's fingerprints on a form provided by the Police Department and a color two
(2) by two (2) inch photograph clearly showing the applicant's face. Any fees for the photographs
and fingerprints shall be paid by the applicant. Fingerprints and photograph shall be taken within
six (6) months of the date of application.
9. Whether the license applicant, has pled guilty or nolo contendere or been convicted of an offense
classified by this or any other state as a sex-related offense and (a) less than two (2) years have
elapsed since the date of conviction or the date of release from confinement of conviction to the
date of application, whichever is the later date, if the conviction is a misdemeanor; or (b) less than
five (5) years have elapsed since the date of conviction or the date of release from confinement of
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 55 of 80
conviction to the date of conviction, whichever is the later date, if the conviction is a felony; or (c)
less than five (5) years have elapsed since the date of the last conviction or the date of release
from confinement for the conviction to the date of application, whichever is the later date, if the
convictions are two (2) or more misdemeanors or combination of misdemeanor offenses occurring
within any twenty-four (24) month period. This section shall be applied consistent with California
Penal Code Section 11105 and any amendments thereto.
10. If the application is made for the purpose of renewing a license, the license applicant shall attach
a copy of the license to be renewed.
11. Address of principal place of residence.
D. The completed application shall be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee and an annual license
fee. Said fees shall be set by Resolution of the City Council, as may be amended from time to time.
E. The completeness of an application shall be immediately determined by the Officer upon its submittal. The
Officer will accept applications during normal City Hall working hours. If the Officer determines that the
application is incomplete, the Officer shall immediately inform the applicant of such fact and the reasons
therefor, including any additional information necessary to render the application complete. Upon receipt
of a completed adult business performer application and payment of the license fee specified in Subsection
D of this Section, the Officer shall immediately issue a temporary license which shall expire of its own accord
ten (10) business days from the date of issuance and shall only be extended as provided in Section
6331.03(C). This temporary adult business performer license shall authorize a performer to commence
performance at an adult business establishment that possesses a valid adult business regulatory permit
authorized to provide live entertainment.
F. The fact that a license applicant possesses other types of State or City permits or licenses does not exempt
the license applicant from the requirement of obtaining an adult business performer license.
G. The information provided above in Subsections C 1, 5, 6 and 11 shall be redacted from any public disclosure
under the California Public Records Act to protect the physical security of the performers.
6331.03. INVESTIGATION AND ACTION ON APPLICATION FOR ADULT BUSINESS PERFORMER
LICENSE
A. Upon submission of a completed application, payment of license fees, and issuance of a temporary adult
business performer license pursuant to Section 6331.01, the Officer shall immediately stamp the application
"Received" and shall refer the application to the Police Department for investigation to determine whether
the license applicant should be issued an adult business performer license.
B. Investigation shall not be grounds for the City to unilaterally delay in reviewing a completed application.
The Officer's decision to grant or deny the adult business performer license shall be made within ten (10)
working days from the date the temporary license was issued and in no case shall the decision to grant or
deny the license application be made after the expiration of the temporary license.
C. The Officer shall render a written decision to grant or deny the license within the foregoing ten (10) day
period. Said decision shall be mailed first class postage pre-paid or hand-delivered to the applicant, within
the foregoing ten (10) day period, at the address provided by the applicant in the application.
For good cause as set forth in writing, the ten (10) day period shall be extended up to an additional ten (10)
days. This shall automatically extend the temporary license. Failure of the Hearing Officer to render a
decision on the permit within the time frames established by the Section shall be deemed to constitute an
approval, subject to appeal to the Hearing Officer, pursuant to Section 6331.05.
D. The Officer shall notify the applicant as follows:
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 56 of 80
1. The Officer shall write or stamp "Approved" or "Denied" on the application and date and sign such
notation.
2. If the application is denied, the Hearing Officer shall attach to the application a statement of the
reasons for denial. Such notice shall also provide that the permit applicant may appeal the denial
to the Hearing Officer in accordance with Section 6331.05.
3. If the application is approved, the Officer shall attach to the application an adult business
performer license.
4. The application, as acted upon, and the license, if any, shall be placed in the United States mail,
first class postage prepaid, or hand delivered, addressed to the license applicant at the residence
address stated in the application in accordance with the time frames established herein.
E. The Officer shall approve the application and issue the license unless the application is denied based on one
of the grounds set forth in Section 6331.05(C).
F. On determining that the grounds for license denial exist in accordance with Section 6331.05, the Officer
shall furnish written notice of the denial to the applicant. Such notice shall provide, in addition to the
grounds for denial, that the license applicant may appeal the denial to the Hearing Officer in accordance
with Section 6331.05, and that the temporary license shall be extended through the time the appeal is
concluded.
G. Each adult business performer license, other than the temporary license described in Section 6331.01, shall
expire one (1) year from the date of issuance and may be renewed only by filing with the Officer a written
request for renewal, accompanied by the annual license fee and a copy of the license to be renewed. If said
application conforms to the previously approved application and there has been no change with respect to
the license holder being convicted of any crime classified by this or any other state as a sex-related offense,
the Officer shall renew the license for one (1) year. Any plea to or conviction of a sex-related offense
requires the renewal application to be denied in accordance with the provisions of this Section. The denial
of a renewal application is appealable pursuant to the provisions of Section 6331.05. The request for
renewal shall be made at least thirty (30) days before the expiration date of the license. Applications for
renewal shall be acted upon as provided herein for action upon applications for license.
6331.05. DENIAL, SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF ADULT BUSINESS PERFORMER
LICENSE/APPEAL HEARING
A. On determining that grounds for license denial, suspension or revocation (also referred to collectively as
License Action) exist, the Officer shall furnish written notice of the license action to the license holder or
applicant (hereinafter "license holder" or "licensee" shall also mean "license applicant" or "applicant"). Such
notice shall set forth the procedures for appeal, the pertinent Arcadia Municipal 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 license holder, or shall be delivered to the license holder personally.
B. During any appeal to the Hearing Officer, the applicant or license holder shall have the right to offer
testimonial, documentary, and tangible evidence bearing upon the issues and may be represented by
counsel. Any hearing under this section may be continued for a reasonable time for the convenience of a
party or a witness at the request of the licensee. Extensions of time or continuances sought by a licensee
shall not be considered delay on the part of the City or constitute failure by the City to provide for prompt
decisions on license actions.
C. A license may be denied, suspended or revoked, based on any of the following causes arising from the acts
or omissions of the permit holder:
1. The licensee has made any false, misleading, or fraudulent statement of material fact in the
application for a performer license.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 57 of 80
2. The license applicant is under eighteen (18) years of age.
3. The licensee has pled guilty, nolo contendere or been convicted of an offense classified by this or
any other state as a sex-related offense and (a) less than two (2) years have elapsed since the date
of conviction or the date of release from confinement for the conviction to the date of application,
whichever is the later date, if the conviction is a misdemeanor, or (b) less than five (5) years have
elapsed since the date of conviction or the date of release from confinement of conviction to the
date of application, whichever is the later date, if the conviction is a felony; or (c) less than five (5)
years have elapsed since the date of the last conviction or the date of release from confinement
for the conviction to the date of application, whichever is the later date, if the convictions are two
(2) or more misdemeanors or combination of misdemeanor offenses occurring within any twenty-
four (24) month period.
4. The Licensee has committed acts in violation of the requirements and standards of the Adult
Business Ordinance (Sections 9104.02.020 (“Adult Business Uses”) and 6331 et seq.).
D. After holding the hearing in accordance with the provisions of this Section, if the Board finds and determines
that there are grounds for denial, suspension or revocation, the Board shall impose one of the following:
1. Suspension of the license for a specified period of either one (1) year or some other time to be
determined in the Board's discretion; or
2. Denial and/or revocation of the license; or
3. Conditional granting of the license.
4. The Hearing Officer shall render a written decision in accordance with the procedures of Section
6214.01.
E. In the event a license is revoked pursuant to this Section, another adult business performer license shall
not be granted to the licensee within twelve (12) months after the date of such revocation or such other
time as the Board determines.
6331.07. JUDICIAL REVIEW
A. Decisions of the Hearing Officer are final.
B. The time for a court challenge to a decision of the City Council under Sections 6331.03 and/or 6331.05 is
governed by California Code of Civil Procedure § 1094.8.
C. Notice of the Hearing Officer decision and its findings under Sections 6331.03 and/or 6331.05 shall include
citation to California Code of Civil Procedure § 1094.8.
D. Any applicant or license holder whose license has been denied, suspended, or revoked, pursuant to Sections
6331.03 and/or 6331.05 shall be afforded prompt judicial review of that decision as provided by California
Code of Civil Procedure § 1094.8.
6331.09. DISPLAY OF LICENSE IDENTIFICATION CARDS
The Officer shall provide each adult business performer required to have a license pursuant to Section 6331
et seq. with an identification card containing the name, address, photograph, and permit number of such performer.
Every performer shall have such card available for inspection at all times during which he or she is on the premises
of the adult business at which he or she performs or entertains.
6331.11. ADULT BUSINESS PERFORMER LICENSE NONTRANSFERABLE
No adult business performer license may be sold, transferred, or assigned by any licensee or by operation
of law, to any other person, group, partnership, corporation, or any other entity. Any such sale, transfer, or
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 58 of 80
assignment, or attempted sale, transfer, or assignment shall be deemed to constitute a voluntary surrender of the
adult business performer license, and the license thereafter shall be null and void.
6331.13. TIME LIMIT FOR FILING APPLICATION FOR PERMIT
All persons required by Section 6331 et seq. to obtain an adult business performer license who are performing in
Arcadia prior to the effective day of the Ordinance codified in this Chapter must apply for and obtain such adult
business performer license within sixty (60) days of the effective date of said Ordinance. Failure to do so and
continued performance that displays specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities in an adult business
after such time without a license shall constitute a violation of the Arcadia Municipal Code.
6331.15. VIOLATIONS
A. Any person violating or causing the violation of any of these provisions regulating adult business performer
licenses shall be subject to license revocation pursuant to Section 6331.05 above and any and all other civil
remedies. It shall be a violation of this Chapter for any principal, including but not limited to any adult
business operator or permittee, to permit, procure, counsel or assist any agent of that principal, including
but not limited to an employee or independent contractor, to violate any provision of this Chapter. All
remedies provided herein shall be cumulative and not exclusive. Any violation of these provisions shall
constitute a separate violation for each and every day during which such violation is committed or
continued.
B. The operating standards for performers of adult live entertainment are part of a regulatory licensing
process, and the City does not impose a criminal penalty for violations of the provisions of this Chapter
relating to sexual conduct or activities.
C. In addition to the remedies set forth in subsection (A), any violation of any of these provisions regulating
adult business performer licenses is hereby declared to constitute a public nuisance and may be abated or
enjoined.
6331.17. REGULATIONS NONEXCLUSIVE
The provisions of this Chapter regulating adult business performer licenses are not intended to be exclusive,
and compliance therewith shall not excuse noncompliance with any other regulations pertaining to the licensing
provisions as adopted by the City Council of the City of Arcadia; provided, however, that the provisions contained in
Article VI, Chapters 1 through 4, inclusive, of the Arcadia Municipal Code shall be deemed superseded by these
regulations in the event a business activity therein also meets the definitions contained in this Chapter 5.
6331.19. SEVERABILITY
If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Chapter and the Ordinance to which it is a
part, or any part thereof is held for any reason to be unconstitutional, invalid, or ineffective by any court of
competent jurisdiction, the remaining sections, subsections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, and phrases shall not
be affected thereby. The City Council declares that it would have adopted this Chapter and the Ordinance to which
it is a part regardless of the fact that one or more sections, subsections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases
may be determined to be unconstitutional, invalid, or ineffective.
DIVISION 2. ADULT BUSINESS LICENSE
6332. PURPOSE
The intent of this chapter is to regulate uses which, because of their very nature, are believed to have any of the
recognized significant secondary effects on the community which include, but are not limited to: depreciated
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 59 of 80
property values and increased vacancies in residential and commercial areas in the vicinity of adult oriented
businesses, interference with residential, commercial and industrial property owners' enjoyment of their property
when such property is located in the vicinity of adult oriented businesses due to increased crime, debris, noise and
vandalism; higher crime rates in the vicinity of adult oriented businesses; and blighting conditions such as low-level
maintenance of commercial premises and parking lots which thereby have a deleterious effect upon adjacent areas.
Special regulation of these uses is necessary to ensure that these adverse effects will not contribute to the blighting
or downgrading of the neighborhoods in the vicinity of the adult oriented businesses. In approving the regulations
contained in this Article, the city council has reviewed detailed studies, reports and letters prepared by other
jurisdictions and its own staff with respect to the detrimental social, health and economic effects on persons and
properties surrounding adult oriented businesses. These studies include Upland, California (1992); Garden Grove,
California (1991); Tucson, Arizona (1990); Seattle, Washington (1989); Austin, Texas (1986); Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma (1986); Indianapolis, Indiana (1984); Houston, Texas (I983); Beaumont, Texas (1982); Minneapolis,
Minnesota (1980); Phoenix, Arizona (1979); Whittier, California (1978); Amarillo, Texas (1977); Cleveland, Ohio
(1977); Los Angeles, California (1977); State of Minnesota, Attorney General Report (1989); Newport news, Virginia
(1996); St. Paul, Minnesota (1987); Corpus Christi, Texas (1995); National Law Center (1995); and Azusa (2003)
(collectively "studies"). The studies substantiate the adverse, secondary effects of adult businesses. It is neither the
intent nor effect of this chapter to impose limitations or restrictions on the content of any communicative material.
Similarly, it is neither the intent nor effect of this chapter to restrict or deny access by adults to sexually oriented
materials protected by the First Amendment, or to deny access by the distributors or exhibitors of sexually oriented
materials to their intended market.
Nothing in this chapter is intended to authorize, legalize or permit the establishment, operation or
maintenance of any business, building or use which violates any City ordinance or any statute of the State of
California regarding public nuisances, unlawful exposure, sexual conduct, lewdness or obscene or harmful matter or
the exhibition or public display thereof.
6332.01. DEFINITIONS
In addition to any other definitions contained in the Municipal Code, the following words and phrases shall,
for the purpose of this Chapter and Chapter 5 of this Article, be defined as follows, unless it is clearly apparent from
the context that another meaning is intended. Should any of the definitions be in conflict with any current provisions
of the Municipal Code, these definitions shall prevail.
A. "Adult arcade" shall mean a business establishment to which the public is permitted or invited and where
coin, card or slug operated or electronically, electrically or mechanically controlled devices, still or motion
picture machines, projectors, videos, holograms, virtual reality devices or other image-producing devices
are maintained to show images on a regular or substantial basis, where the images so displayed are
distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting or describing "specified sexual activities"
or "specified anatomical areas." Such devices shall be referred to as "adult arcade devices."
B. "Adult booth/individual viewing area" shall mean a partitioned or partially enclosed portion of an adult
business used for any of the following purposes:
1. Where a live or taped performance is presented or viewed, where the performances and/or
images displayed or presented are distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on matter
depicting, describing, or relating to "specified sexual activities" or "specified anatomical areas"; or
2. Where "adult arcade" devices are located.
C. "Adult business" shall mean:
1. A business establishment or concern that as a regular and substantial course of conduct operates
as an adult retail store, adult motion picture theater, adult arcade, adult cabaret, adult motel or
hotel, adult modeling studio (as these phrases are defined in this section); or
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 60 of 80
2. A business establishment or concern which as a regular and substantial course of conduct offers,
sells or distributes "adult oriented material" or "sexually oriented merchandise," or which offers
to its patrons materials, products, merchandise, services or entertainment characterized by an
emphasis on matters depicting, describing, or relating to "specified sexual activities" or "specified
anatomical areas" but not including those uses or activities (as these phrases are defined in this
section) which are preempted by State law.
D. "Adult cabaret" shall mean a business establishment (whether or not serving alcoholic beverages) that
features "adult live entertainment."
E. "Adult hotel/motel " shall mean a "hotel" or "motel" (as defined in the Municipal Code) that is used for
presenting on a regular and substantial basis images through closed circuit television, cable television, still
or motion picture machines, projectors, videos, holograms, virtual reality devices or other image-producing
devices that are distinguished or characterized by the emphasis on matter depicting or describing or relating
to "specified sexual activities" or "specified anatomical areas" (as these phrases are defined in this section).
F. "Adult live entertainment" shall mean any physical human body activity, whether performed or engaged in,
alone or with other persons, including but not limited to singing, walking, speaking, dancing, acting, posing,
simulating, wrestling or pantomiming, which (1) the performer (including but not limited to a topless and/or
bottomless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, or similar performers) exposes to public view,
without opaque covering, "specified anatomical areas"; and/or (2) the performance or physical human body
activity depicts, describes, or relates to "specified sexual activities" whether or not the specified anatomical
areas are covered.
G. "Adult modeling studio" shall mean a business establishment which provides for any form of consideration,
the services of a live human model, who, for the purposes of sexual stimulation of patrons, displays
"specified anatomical areas" to be observed, sketched, photographed, filmed, painted, sculpted, or
otherwise depicted by persons paying for such consideration. "Adult modeling studio" does not include
schools maintained pursuant to standards set by the Board of Education of the State of California.
H. "Adult motion picture theater" shall mean a business establishment, with or without a stage or proscenium,
where, on a regular and substantial basis and for any form of consideration, material is presented through
films, motion pictures, video cassettes, slides, laser disks, digital video disks, holograms, virtual reality
devices, or similar electronically-generated reproductions that is characterized by the depiction or
description of "specified sexual activities" or "specified anatomical areas."
I. "Adult oriented material" shall mean accessories, paraphernalia, books, magazines, laser disks, compact
discs, digital video disks, photographs, prints, drawings, paintings, motion pictures, pamphlets, videos,
slides, tapes, holograms or electronically generated images or devices including computer software, or any
combination thereof that is distinguished or characterized by its emphasis on matter depicting, describing
or relating to "specified sexual activities" or "specified anatomical areas." "Adult oriented material" shall
include "sexually oriented merchandise."
J. "Adult retail store" shall mean a business establishment having as a regular and substantial portion of its
stock in trade, "adult oriented material" and/or "sexually oriented merchandise."
K. "Day care facility" or "day care center" means any child day care facility as defined in Section 1596.750 of
the California Health and Safety Code other than family day care homes.
L. "Establishment of an adult business" shall mean any of the following:
1. The opening or commencement of any "adult business" (as defined earlier) as a new business;
2. The conversion of an existing business, whether or not an "adult business," to any "adult business";
3. The addition of any "adult business" to any other existing "adult business";
4. The relocation of any "adult business"; or
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 61 of 80
5. Physical changes that expand the square footage of an existing "adult business" by more than ten
percent (10%).
M. "Owner/permit holder" shall mean any of the following: (1) the sole proprietor of an adult business; (2) any
general partner of a partnership that owns and operates an adult business; (3) a corporation; (4) the owner
of a controlling interest in a corporation or limited liability company that owns and operates an adult
business; or (5) the person designated by the officers of a corporation or the members of a limited liability
company to be the permit holder for an adult business owned and operated by the corporation.
N. "Park" shall mean any park, playground, swimming pool, golf course or athletic field within the City which
is under the City's control, operation and management, and the Arcadia County Park.
O. "Performer" shall mean any person who is an employee or independent contractor of an adult business,
and who, with or without any compensation or other form of consideration, performs adult live
entertainment for patrons of an adult business. Performer does not include a patron.
P. "Religious institution" shall mean structure or facility that is used primarily for religious worship and related
religious activities such as a church, temple or synagogue.
Q. "Residential zone" shall mean any property within the City which carries a zoning designation of: R-M
Residential Mountainous Zone Single Family Zone; R-O Residential First One-Family; R-1 Residential Second
One-Family; R-2 Medium Density Multiple-Family Residential Zone; and R-3 Multiple Family Residential
Zone.
R. "School" shall mean any institution of learning for minors, whether public or private, offering instruction in
those courses of study required by the California Education Code and/or is maintained pursuant to
standards set by the Board of Education of the State of California and has an approved use permit, if
required under the applicable jurisdiction. This definition includes a nursery school, kindergarten,
elementary school, middle or junior high school, senior high school, or any special institution of education
under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Education, but it does not include a vocational or
professional institution of higher education, including a community or junior college, college, or university.
It does not include private instructional and/or tutoring facilities.
S. "Sexually oriented merchandise" shall mean sexually oriented implements, paraphernalia, or novelty items,
such as, but not limited to: dildos, auto sucks, sexually oriented vibrators, benwa balls, inflatable orifices,
anatomical balloons with orifices, simulated and battery operated vaginas, and similar sexually oriented
devices which are designed or marketed primarily for the stimulation of human genital organs or sado-
masochistic activity or distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on matter depicting, describing or
relating to "specified sexual activities" or "specified anatomical areas."
T. "Specified anatomical areas" shall mean and include any of the following:
1. Less than completely and opaquely covered, and/or simulated to be reasonably anatomically
correct, even if completely and opaquely covered human:
a. Genitals, pubic region;
b. Buttocks, anus;
c. Female breasts below a point immediately above the top of the areola; or
2. Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely or opaquely covered.
U. "Specified sexual activities" shall mean and include any of the following, irrespective of whether performed
directly or indirectly through clothing or other covering:
1. Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal;
2. Acts of human masturbation, sexual stimulation or arousal;
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 62 of 80
3. Simulated sexual intercourse;
4. Use of human or animal ejaculation, sodomy, oral copulation, coitus or masturbation;
5. Masochism, erotic or sexually oriented torture, beating, or the infliction of pain, or bondage and/or
restraints;
6. Human excretion, urination, menstruation, vaginal or anal irrigation; and/or
7. Fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttock, or female breast.
6332.03. PERMIT REQUIRED
In addition to the requirements of Section 9104.02.020 (“Adult Business Uses”), of this Code, no adult
business shall be permitted to operate, engage in, conduct or carry on business within the City unless the owner of
the business first obtains both an Adult Business Regulatory permit and a business license from the City.
6332.05. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to establish, operate, engage in, conduct, or carry on any adult business
within the City of Arcadia unless the person first obtains, and continues to maintain in full force and effect,
an adult business regulatory permit as herein required. Any occurrence of the "establishment of an adult
business" as defined in Arcadia Municipal Code Section 6332.01(L) shall require a new application for an
adult business use permit. The adult business use permit shall be subject to the development and
operational standards contained in Sections 6332.09.
B. Permit applicants shall file a written, signed, and verified application on a form provided by the License
Officer or designee. Any changes in information on an application shall be submitted on a supplemental
application within ten (10) working days of each such change. Such application shall contain the following
information and shall also include applicant's acknowledgment that he/she has read and understands all
requirements set forth in Section 6332.09.
1. If the permit applicant is an individual, the individual shall state his or her legal name, including
any aliases, telephone number, home address (including previous addresses), tax identification
number, social security number, information regarding past adult business ownership, and shall
submit satisfactory written proof that he or she is at least eighteen (18) years of age.
2. If the permit applicant is a partnership, the partners shall state the partnership's complete name,
address, and telephone number, and the names (including aliases), telephone number, home
address (including previous addresses), tax identification number, social security number, and
information on past adult business ownership of all partners. The applicant and all the partners
shall also submit satisfactory written proof that he or she is at least eighteen (18) years of age and
whether the partnership is general or limited; and shall attach a copy of the partnership
agreement, if any.
3. If the permit applicant is a corporation, the corporation shall provide its complete name, the date
of its incorporation, evidence that the corporation is in good standing under the laws of the State
of California, the names and capacities of all officers and directors, the name of the registered
corporate agent, and the address of the registered office for service of process.
4. If the permit applicant is an individual, he or she shall sign the application. If the permit applicant
is other than an individual, each individual or entity with a ten percent (10%) or greater interest in
the business entity shall sign the application. Any individual who signs the application must also
provide his or her name, including any aliases, home address (including previous addresses),
telephone number, date of birth, social security number, information regarding past adult business
ownership, and shall submit satisfactory written proof that he or she is at least eighteen (18) years
of age.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 63 of 80
5. If the permit applicant intends to operate the adult business under a name other than that of the
permit applicant, the permit applicant shall file the fictitious name of the adult business and show
proof of registration of the fictitious name.
6. A description of the type of adult business for which the permit is requested and the proposed
address where the adult business will operate, plus the names and addresses of the owners and
lessors of the adult business site. If premises are leased, a complete copy of the current lease must
be attached. The property owner must sign the application.
7. The address to which notice of action on the application is to be mailed.
8. The full names, aliases, if any, addresses, telephone numbers and date of birth of all employees,
independent contractors, and other persons who will perform at the adult business, who are
required by Section 6331 et seq. to obtain an adult business performer license. This information
shall be updated by the licensee of the adult business establishment within five (5) days of
retention of any new or additional employees, independent contractors, and other persons who
will perform at the adult business, who are required by Section 6331 et seq. to obtain an adult
business performer license. All persons who have been issued an adult business regulatory permit
shall promptly supplement the information provided as part of the application for the permit with
the names of all employees, independent contractors, or other persons, who are required to
obtain an adult business performer license, within ten (10) working days of any change in the
information originally submitted. The information obtained by the City pursuant to this Subsection
B(8) shall be kept confidential.
9. Permit applications shall include a signed and verified statement that:
a. The permit applicant, if an individual, or each shareholder, partner, officer and director,
or other party possessing a ten percent (10%) or greater interest, if a partnership or
corporation, has not pled guilty or nolo contendere or been convicted of an offense
classified by this or any other state as a sex or sex-related offense; or
b. If there has been a conviction or a plea, then:
(1) More than two (2) years have elapsed between the date of conviction or plea, or
the date of release from confinement for a conviction or plea, whichever is the
later date, and the date of application if the conviction or plea is a misdemeanor;
or
(2) More than five (5) years have elapsed between the date of conviction or plea, or
the date of release from confinement for a conviction or plea, whichever is the
later date, and the date of application if the conviction or plea is a felony; or
(3) More than five (5) years have elapsed between the date of the last conviction or
plea, or the date of release from confinement for the last conviction or plea,
whichever is the later date, and the date of application if the convictions or pleas
are two (2) or more misdemeanors or a combination of misdemeanor offenses
occurring within any twenty-four (24) month period.
C. The completed application shall be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee. Said fee shall be set
forth by Resolution of the City Council.
D. The completeness of an application for an adult business regulatory permit shall be determined by the
Officer within five (5) working days of its submittal. If the Officer determines that the permit application is
incomplete, the Officer shall immediately notify in writing the permit applicant of such fact and the reasons
therefor, including any additional information necessary to render the application complete. Such writing
shall be deposited in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid, immediately upon determination that the application
is incomplete. Within five (5) working days following the receipt of an amended application or supplemental
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 64 of 80
information, the Officer shall again determine whether the application is complete in accordance with the
provisions set forth above. Evaluation and notification shall occur as provided herein until such time as the
application is found to be complete.
E. The fact that a permit applicant possesses other types of State or City permits or licenses does not exempt
the permit applicant from the requirement of obtaining an adult business regulatory permit.
6332.07. INVESTIGATION AND ACTION ON APPLICATION FOR ADULT BUSINESS REGULATORY
PERMIT
A. The completeness of an application for an adult business regulatory permit shall be determined by the
License Officer or his or her designee within five (5) working days of its submittal. If the Officer determines
that the permit application is incomplete, the Officer shall immediately notify in writing the permit applicant
of such fact and the reasons therefor, including any additional information necessary to render the
application complete. Such writing shall be deposited in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid, immediately upon
determination that the application is incomplete. Within five (5) working days following the receipt of an
amended application or supplemental information, the Officer shall again determine whether the
application is complete in accordance with the provisions set forth above. Evaluation and notification shall
occur as provided herein until such time as the application is found to be complete.
B. Upon receipt of a completed application and payment of the application and permit fees, the Officer shall
immediately write or stamp the application "Received" and, in conjunction with City staff and the Chief of
Police, shall promptly investigate the information contained in the application to determine whether an
adult business regulatory permit shall be granted.
C. Within ten (10) working days of receipt of the completed application, the Officer shall issue or deny the
license, unless extended for five (5) additional working days upon a showing of good cause. Only one such
extension shall be permitted unless requested by the applicant.
D. In reaching a decision, the Officer shall not be bound by the formal rules of evidence in the California
Evidence Code.
E. The failure of the Officer to render any decision within the time frames established in any part of this Section
shall be deemed to constitute an approval, subject to appeal to the Hearing Officer , pursuant to Section
6332.13. The Officer's decision shall be hand delivered or mailed to the applicant at the address provided
in the application, and shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of this Code.
F. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Section regarding the occurrence of any action within a specified
period of time, the applicant may request additional time beyond that provided for in this Section or may
request a continuance regarding any decision or consideration by the City of the pending application
Extensions of time sought by applicants shall not be considered delay on the part of the City or constitute
failure by the City to provide for prompt decisions on applications.
G. The Officer shall grant or deny the application in accordance with the provisions of this Section, and so
notify the applicant as follows:
1. The Officer shall write or stamp "Granted" or "Denied" on the application and date and sign such
notation.
2. If the application is denied, the Officer shall attach to the application a statement of the reasons
for the denial.
3. If the application is granted, the Officer shall stamp "Approved" on the application.
H. The Officer shall grant the application and issue the adult business regulatory permit unless the application
is denied based upon one (1) or more of the criteria set forth in subsection J below.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 65 of 80
I. If the Officer grants the application, the applicant may begin operating the adult business for which the
permit was sought, subject to strict compliance with the development and operational standards and
requirements of this Chapter. The permit holder shall post the permit conspicuously in the premises of the
adult business.
J. The Officer shall deny the application for any of the following reasons:
1. The adult business does not comply with the zoning and location standards found in Section
9104.02.020 (“Adult Business Uses”).
2. The adult business does not comply with the development, operational or performance standards
found in this Chapter.
3. The permit applicant, his or her employee, agent, partner, director, officer, shareholder with a ten
percent (10%) or greater interest, or manager has made any false, misleading, or fraudulent
statement of material fact in the application for an adult business regulatory permit or in any
report, record, or document required to be filed with the application, the Police Department,
Sheriff, other law enforcement agency, or other department of the City.
4. The permit applicant is under eighteen (18) years of age.
5. The required application fees have not been paid.
6. The permit applicant, if an individual, or any shareholder, partner, officer, director or other party
possessing a ten percent (10%) or greater interest, if a partnership or corporation, has:
a. Pled guilty or nolo contendere or been convicted of an offense classified by this or any
other state as a sex or sex-related offense; and
b. (i) Less than two (2) years have elapsed between the date of conviction or plea, or the
date of release from confinement for a conviction or plea, whichever is the later date, and
the date of application if the conviction or plea is a misdemeanor; or (ii) Less than five (5)
years have elapsed between the date of conviction or plea, or the date of release from
confinement for a conviction or plea, whichever is the later date, and the date of
application if the conviction or plea is a felony; or (iii) Less than five (5) years have elapsed
between the date of the last conviction or plea, or the date of release from confinement
for the last conviction or plea, whichever is the later date, and the date of application if
the convictions or pleas are two (2) or more misdemeanors or a combination of
misdemeanor offenses occurring within any twenty-four (24) month period.
7. Within the past eighteen (18) months the applicant, including, but not limited to, an owner, partner
or shareholder with a ten percent (10%) or greater financial interest has been found to have
violated any provision of this Chapter, has had an adult oriented business permit or similar
entitlement permitting the establishment of an adult or sexually oriented business revoked,
regardless of whether such revocation occurred within the City or in some other jurisdiction.
K. An applicant cannot re-apply for an adult business regulatory permit for a location for which the applicant
previously submitted an application within one (1) year from the date of prior denial.
L. Any affected person may appeal the decision of the Director in writing in accordance with the provisions of
Section 6332.13.
6332.09. DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATING STANDARDS
A. Hours of Operation. It shall be unlawful for any permitee, owner, operator, manager or employee of an
adult business to allow such adult business to remain open for business, or to permit any employee or
performer to engage in a performance, solicit a performance, make a sale, solicit a sale, provide a service,
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 66 of 80
or solicit a service, between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. of any day excepting here from an "adult
hotel/motel."
B. Exterior Lighting Requirements. All exterior areas, including parking lots, of the adult business shall be
illuminated at a minimum of 1.50 foot-candle, maintained and evenly distributed at ground level with
appropriate devices to screen, deflect or diffuse the lighting in such manner as to prevent glare or reflected
light from creating adverse impacts on adjoining and nearby public and private properties. Inoperable
and/or broken lights shall be replaced within twenty-four (24) hours.
C. Interior Lighting Requirements. All interior areas of the adult business excepting there from adult hotels
and motels shall be illuminated at a minimum of 1.00 foot-candle, maintained and evenly distributed at
floor level. Inoperable and/or broken lights shall be replaced within twenty-four (24) hours.
D. Minors' Access.
1. To the extent that it is in conformity with the Penal Code, movies, videotapes, digital video disks
(DVDs), compact disks (CDs) and laser disks rated "X" or "NC-17" by the Motion Picture Association
of America ("MPAA") or which have not been submitted to the MPAA for a rating and which are
distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on depicting or describing specified sexual activities
or specified anatomical areas shall be restricted to persons at least eighteen (18) years of age. If
an establishment that is not otherwise prohibited from providing access to persons under eighteen
(18) years of age sells, rents, or displays movies, videos, DVDs, or laser disks that have been rated
"X" or rated "NC-17" by the MPAA, or which have not been submitted to the MPAA for a rating,
and which consist of images which are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on depicting
or describing specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas, said movies, videos, DVDs,
CDs, and laser disks shall be located in a specific section of the establishment where persons under
the age of eighteen (18) shall be prohibited.
2. For material relative to adult businesses not covered by Subsection (D)(1), of this Section, access
shall be restricted to persons over eighteen (18) years of age.
3. It shall be unlawful for any employee, owner, operator, responsible managing employee, manager
or permittee of an adult business to allow any person under the age of eighteen (18) years upon
the premises or within the confines of any adult business, either as a patron or employee, if no
liquor is served, or under the age of twenty-one (21) if liquor is served.
E. Regulation of Adult Booth/Individual Viewing Area.
1. No adult booth/individual viewing area shall be occupied by more than one (1) individual at a time.
2. Each adult booth/individual viewing area within the adult business shall be visible from a
continuous and accessible main aisle in a public portion of the establishment, and shall not be
obscured by any door, curtain, wall, two-way mirror or other device which would prohibit a person
from seeing the entire interior of the adult booth/individual viewing area from the main aisle. A
manager shall be stationed in the main aisle at all times. Further, no one shall maintain any adult
booth/individual viewing area in any configuration unless the entire interior wherein the picture
or entertainment is viewed is visible from one main aisle. The entire body of any patron in any
adult booth/individual viewing area must be visible from the main aisle without the assistance of
mirrors or other device.
3. No doors are permitted on an adult booth/individual viewing area. No partially or fully enclosed
adult booth/individual viewing areas or partially or fully concealed adult booth/individual viewing
areas shall be permitted.
4. No holes or other openings (commonly known as "glory holes") shall be permitted between adult
booths/individual viewing areas. Any such hole or opening shall be repaired within twenty-four
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 67 of 80
(24) hours using "pop" rivets to secure metal plates over the hole or opening to prevent patrons
from removing the metal plates.
5. No beds shall be permitted in an adult booth/individual viewing area.
F. Interior of Premises. No exterior door or window on the premises of an adult business shall be propped or
kept open at anytime while the business is open and any exterior windows shall be covered with opaque
coverings at all times.
G. On-Site Manager—Security Measures. All adult businesses shall have a responsible person who shall be at
least twenty-one (21) years of age and shall be on the premises to act as manager at all times during which
the business is open. The individual designated as the on-site manager shall be registered with the Director
to receive all complaints and be given by the owner and/or operator the responsibility and duty to address
and immediately resolve all violations taking place on the premises.
All adult businesses shall provide a security system that visually records and monitors all parking lot areas
during all business hours. At least one (1) security guard shall be on duty outside the premises, patrolling
the grounds and parking lot at all times. The security guard shall be charged with preventing violations of
law and enforcing the provisions of this Chapter. All security guards shall be uniformed so as to be readily
identifiable as a security guard by the public. No person acting as a security guard shall act as a door person,
ticket taker or seller, or any similar function, while acting as a security guard. For all adult oriented
businesses providing live entertainment, an additional security guard shall be provided with each increase
in maximum occupancy of two hundred (200) persons. Security guards shall be licensed under the California
Private Security Services Act, Business & Professions Code Section 7580 et seq.
H. Sign Requirements. All adult businesses shall comply with the following sign requirements, in addition to
those otherwise set forth in the Arcadia Municipal Code. Should a conflict exist between the other
requirements of the Arcadia Municipal Code and this Subsection, the more restrictive shall prevail.
1. If an adult business does not serve alcohol, it shall post a notice inside the establishment, within
ten (10) feet of every entrance used by customers for access to the establishment, stating that
persons below the age of eighteen (18) years of age are prohibited from entering onto the
premises or within the confines of the adult business. This notice shall be posted on a wall in a
place of prominence. The dimensions of the notice shall be no less than six (6) inches by six (6)
inches, with a minimum typeface of twenty-five (25) points on contrasting background. If the adult
business serves alcohol, it shall comply with all notice and posting requirements of the Alcoholic
Beverage Control Department.
2. No material relative to adult businesses on the premises shall be displayed in window areas or any
area where they can be viewed from the sidewalk in front of the building.
I. Adult Live Entertainment—Additional Operating Requirements. The following additional requirements shall
pertain to adult businesses providing live entertainment. No person, association, partnership, or
corporation shall engage in, conduct or carry on, or permit the operation of an adult business to engage in,
conduct or carry on unless all of the following requirements are met:
1. No employee, owner, operator, responsible managing employee, manager or permittee of such
use shall allow any person below the age of eighteen (18) years upon the premises or within the
confines if no liquor is served, or under the age of twenty-one (21) if liquor is served.
2. Except as provided below, no performer then performing adult live entertainment characterized
by the exposure of specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities shall perform such adult
live entertainment at an adult business except upon a permanently fixed stage at least eighteen
(18) inches above the level of the floor surrounded by a railing at least thirty (30) inches high which
railing is set back from the outside edges of the stage by six (6) feet. The performer then
performing live entertainment characterized by the exposure of specified anatomical areas or
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 68 of 80
specified sexual activities shall only perform such live entertainment six (6) feet or more from a
patron while the performer is so performing.
3. A performer shall only be permitted to perform off-stage adult live entertainment characterized
by the exposure of specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities when such performer
is at least six (6) feet from a patron while the performer is so performing. This provision shall not
apply to an individual viewing area where the performer is completely separated from the patron
by a floor to ceiling permanent solid barrier enclosed on all sides such that access by the patron is
not possible.
4. No performer then performing adult live entertainment characterized by the exposure of specified
anatomical areas or specified sexual activities shall have physical contact with any patron, and no
patron shall have physical contact with any performer, while the performer is performing on the
premises. In addition, while on the premises, no performer shall have physical contact with a
patron and no patron shall have physical contact with a performer, which physical contact involves
the touching of the clothed or unclothed genitals, pubic area, buttocks, cleft or the buttocks,
perineum, anal region, or female breast with any part or area of any other person's body either
before or after any adult live entertainment by such performer. This prohibition does not extend
to incidental touching. Patrons shall be advised of the separation and no touching requirements
by signs conspicuously placed on the barrier between patrons and performers. If necessary,
patrons shall also be advised of the separation and no touching requirements by employees or
independent contractors of the adult business.
5. All employees, except therefrom performers while performing, shall, at a minimum while on or
about the premises or tenant space, wear an opaque covering which covers their specified
anatomical areas.
6. No performer then performing adult live entertainment characterized by the exposure of specified
anatomical areas or specified sexual activities shall accept directly from a patron, and no patron
shall directly hand to such performer any tip or gratuity, throw tips to performers, or place tips in
the performers' costumes. Patrons shall be advised of these tipping and gratuity requirements by
signs conspicuously placed on the premises. If necessary, patrons shall also be advised of the
tipping and gratuity requirements by employees or independent contractors of the adult business.
7. The adult business shall provide dressing rooms for performers that are separated by gender and
exclusively dedicated to the performers' use, and which the performers shall use. Same gender
performers may share a dressing room. Patrons shall not be permitted in dressing rooms.
8. The adult business shall provide an entrance/exit for performers which is separate from the
entrance/exit used by patrons, which the performers shall use at all times.
9. The adult business shall provide access for performers between the stage and the dressing rooms
which is completely separated from the patrons. If such separate access is not physically feasible,
the adult business shall provide a minimum three (3) foot wide walk aisle for performers between
the dressing room area and the stage, with a railing, fence or other barrier separating the patrons
and the performers capable of (and which actually results in) preventing any physical contact
between patrons and performers. Nothing in this Section is intended to exempt the adult business
from compliance with the provisions of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations pertaining to
handicapped accessibility.
10. Fixed rail(s) at least thirty (30) inches in height shall be maintained establishing the separations
between performers and patrons required by this Subsection.
J. Adult Motion Picture Theater. An adult motion picture theater shall observe the following special
requirements:
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 69 of 80
1. If the theater contains a hall or auditorium area, the area shall comply with each of the following
provisions:
a. Have individual, separate seats, not couches, benches, or the like, to accommodate the
maximum number of persons who may occupy the area;
b. Have a continuous main aisle alongside of the seating areas in order that each person
seated in the areas shall be visible from the aisle at all times; and
c. Have a sign posted in a conspicuous place at or near each entrance to the hail or
auditorium area which lists the maximum number of persons who may occupy the hall or
auditorium area, which number shall not exceed the number of seats within the hail or
auditorium area.
2. If an adult motion picture theater is designed to permit outdoor viewing by persons seated in
automobiles, it shall have the motion picture screen so situated, or the perimeter of the
establishment so fenced, that the material to be seen by those persons may not be seen from any
public right-of-way, day care facility, park, school, or religious institution, as those terms are
defined in this Chapter.
K. Regulation of Public Restroom Facilities. If the adult business is required to provide restrooms for patron
use, it shall provide separate restroom facilities for male and female patrons. The restrooms shall be free
from adult oriented material. Only one (1) person shall be allowed in each restroom at any time, unless
otherwise required by law, in which case the adult business shall employ a restroom attendant of the same
sex as the restroom users who shall be present in the public portion of the restroom during operating hours.
The attendant shall ensure that no person of the opposite sex is permitted into the restroom, and that not
more than one (1) person is permitted to enter a restroom stall, unless otherwise required by law, and that
the restroom facilities are used only for their intended sanitary purposes. Access to restrooms for patron
use shall not require passage through an area used as a dressing area by performers.
L. Trash. All interior trash cans shall be emptied into a single locked trash bin lined with a plastic bag at least
once a day.
6332.11. TRANSFER OF ADULT BUSINESSES OR ADULT BUSINESS REGULATORY PERMITS
A. A permit holder shall not operate an adult business under the authority of an adult business regulatory
permit at any place other than the address of the adult business stated in the application for the permit.
B. In the event of a transfer of ownership of the adult business or the adult business regulatory permit, the
new owner shall be fully informed by the transferor' of the requirements of this Chapter, including the
operational and development standards of Section 6332.09 and the provisions relating to adult business
performer licenses including disqualification from certain criminal convictions pursuant to Sections
6332.07(J)(6) and 6331.05(C)(3).
C. In the event of a transfer of the adult business or the adult business regulatory permit, the transferee must
provide the City with the following information at least thirty (30) days prior to the transfer.
D. No permit shall be transferred to a transferee with criminal convictions as set forth in Section 6332.07(J)(6).
Such transfers are deemed to be null and void.
E. If the permit holder is a corporation and the corporation retains ownership of the business, the sale of the
corporate stock shall not be considered a transfer of an adult business regulatory permit under this section.
The new shareholders shall provide all information required under Section 6332.05(B)(4) within ten (10)
working days of sale of stock.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 70 of 80
6332.13. DENIAL, SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF ADULT BUSINESS REGULATORY
PERMITS/APPEAL PROCEDURE
A. On determining that grounds for permit denial, suspension or revocation exist, the Officer shall furnish
written notice of the permit action to the license holder or applicant (hereinafter "permit holder" shall also
mean "permit applicant" or "applicant"). Such notice shall set forth the procedures for appeal, the pertinent
Arcadia Municipal 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 permit holder, or shall be
delivered to the permit holder personally.
B. During any appeal to the Hearing Officer , the applicant or permit holder shall have the right to offer
testimonial, documentary, and tangible evidence bearing upon the issues and may be represented by
counsel. The Board shall not be bound by the formal rules of evidence. Any hearing under this section may
be continued for a reasonable time for the convenience of a party or a witness at the request of the licensee.
Extensions of time or continuances sought by a licensee shall not be considered delay on the part of the
City or constitute failure by the City to provide for prompt decisions on license actions. If the Board finds
and determines that there are grounds for denial, suspension or revocation, the Board shall impose one (1)
of the following:
1. Denial of the permit or conditional granting of the permit;
2. Suspension of the permit for a specified period of at least one (1) year; or
3. Revocation of the permit.
The Board shall render a written decision that shall be hand delivered or overnight mailed to the permit
holder within five (5) working days of the Board convening to render its decision.
C. A permit may be suspended or revoked based on the following causes arising from the acts or omissions of
the permit holder, or an employee, agent, partner, director, stockholder with a ten percent (10%) or greater
interest, or manager of the permittee (unless an entertainer is an employee, any entertainer shall be
deemed to be an agent of the permittee for purposes of this Chapter):
1. The use or building, structure, equipment, or location used by the adult business fails to comply
with applicable building, fire, electrical, plumbing, health, and those zoning requirements of the
Arcadia Municipal Code or this Chapter relating to adult businesses, including the adult business
development and operating standards contained in Section 6332.09.
2. The permit holder has failed to obtain or maintain all required city, county, and State licenses and
permits.
3. The permit holder has made any false, misleading, or fraudulent statement of material fact in the
application for an adult business regulatory permit.
4. The permit is being used to conduct an activity different from that for which it was issued.
5. The permit holder has failed to submit and/or update the information pertaining to performers in
accordance with Section 6332.05(B)(8).
6. An adult business has been operated without a responsible adult on the premises, officially acting
in the capacity of manager, at all times during which the business is open or operating.
7. That a permittee, including, but not limited to, an owner, partner, or shareholder with a ten
percent (10%) or greater financial interest, or employee of an adult business, has pled guilty or
nolo contendere or been convicted of an offense classified by this or any other state as a sex-
related offense and: (a) less than two (2) years have elapsed since the date of conviction or the
date of release from confinement of conviction to the date of application, whichever is the later
date, if the conviction is a misdemeanor; (b) less than five (5) years have elapsed since the date of
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 71 of 80
conviction or the date of release from confinement of conviction to the date of application,
whichever is the later date, if the conviction is a felony; or (c) less than five (5) years have elapsed
since the date of the last conviction or the date of release from confinement for the conviction to
the date of application, whichever is the later date, if the convictions are two (2) or more
misdemeanors or combination of misdemeanor offenses occurring within any twenty-four (24)
month period.
8. That an individual employed by the adult business has been convicted of two (2) or more sex-
related offenses that occurred in or on the licensed premises within a twelve (12) month period
and was an employee of the adult business at the time the offenses were committed.
9. That the use for which the approval was granted has ceased to exist or has been suspended for
more than six (6) months.
10. That the transferee/new owner of an adult business or adult business regulatory permit fails to
comply with the requirements of Section 6332.11.
11. The permit holder, employee, agent, partner, director, stockholder with at least a ten percent
(10%) interest in the business, or manager has knowingly allowed or permitted, and has failed to
make a reasonable effort to prevent the occurrence of any of the following on the premises of the
adult business; or a permittee has been convicted of violating any of the following State laws on
the premises of the adult 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 openly occur.
c. The occurrence of acts of lewdness, assignation, or prostitution, including any conduct
constituting violations of Sections 315, 316, 318 of the California Penal Code.
d. Any act constituting a felony involving the sale, use, possession, or possession for sale of
any controlled substance specified in Sections 11054, 11055, 11056, 11057, or 11058 of
the California Health and Safety Code.
e. Any conduct constituting a criminal offense which requires registration under Section 290
of the California Penal Code.
f. An act or omission in violation of any of the requirements of this Chapter if such act or
omission is with the knowledge, authorization, or approval of the permit holder or is as a
result of the permit holder's negligent supervision of the employees of the adult facility.
This includes the allowance of activities that are or become a public nuisance which
includes the disruptive conduct of business patrons whether on or immediately off the
premises where such patrons disturb the peace, obstruct traffic, damage property,
engage in criminal conduct, violate the law and otherwise impair the free enjoyment of
life and property.
D. In the event a permit is revoked (or suspended) pursuant to this Section, another adult business regulatory
permit to operate an adult business shall not be granted to the permittee, or any other owner, manager,
director, board member or immediate family member of any of the above within eighteen (18) months
after the date of such revocation (or if suspended, during the period of suspension) or as otherwise ordered
by the Hearing Officer.
E. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, the decision of the Hearing Officer on any suspension or
revocation is final.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 72 of 80
6332.15. JUDICIAL REVIEW
A. Decisions of the Hearing Officer is final.
B. The time for a court challenge to a decision of the City Council under Sections 6331.03 and/or 6331.05 is
governed by California Code of Civil Procedure § 1094.8.
C. Notice of the Hearing Officer decision and its findings under Sections 6331.03 and/or 6331.05 shall include
citation to California Code of Civil Procedure § 1094.8.
D. Any applicant or license holder whose license has been denied, suspended, or revoked, pursuant to Sections
6331.03 and/or 6331.05 shall be afforded prompt judicial review of that decision as provided by California
Code of Civil Procedure § 1094.8.
6332.17. DISPLAY OF ADULT BUSINESS REGULATORY PERMIT
Every adult business shall display at all times during business hours the permit issued pursuant to the
provisions of this Division for such adult business in a conspicuous place so that the same may be readily seen by all
persons entering the adult business.
6332.19. EMPLOYMENT OF AND SERVICES RENDERED TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF
EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS PROHIBITED, TWENTY-ONE (21) IF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE
SERVED
A. Employees. Employees of an adult business must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. It shall be unlawful
for any owner, operator, manager, partner, director, officer, employee, or other person in charge of any
adult business to employ, contract with, or otherwise retain any services in connection with the adult
business with or from any person who is not at least eighteen (18) years of age. If alcoholic beverages are
served at the adult business, employees of the adult business must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
If alcoholic beverages are served at the adult business, it shall be unlawful for any owner, operator,
manager, partner, director, officer, employee, or other person in charge of any adult business to employ,
contract with, or otherwise retain any services in connection with the adult business with or from any
person who is not twenty-one (21) years of age; and said persons shall exercise reasonable care in
ascertaining the true age of persons seeking to contract with, be employed by, or otherwise service the
adult business.
The provisions of this Subsection do not apply to service employees (e.g., janitors, repair and maintenance
workers, or similar service workers) whose work is not conducted during the normal hours of operation as
set forth in Section 6332.09.
B. Patrons. Patrons of an adult business must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. It shall be unlawful for
any owner, operator, manager, partner, director, officer, employee, or other person in charge of any adult
business to permit to enter or remain within the adult business any person who is not at least eighteen (18)
years of age. If alcoholic beverages are served at the adult business, patrons must be at least twenty-one
(21) years of age. If alcoholic beverages are served at the adult business, it shall be unlawful for any owner,
operator, manager, partner, director, officer, employee, or other person in charge of any adult business to
permit to enter or remain within the adult business any person who is not at least twenty-one (21) years of
age; and said persons shall exercise reasonable care in ascertaining the true age of persons entering the
adult business.
C. X-rated Movies. The selling, renting and/or displaying of movies, videotapes, digital video disks (DVDs),
compact disks (CDs) and laser disks rated "X" or "NC-17" by the Motion Picture Association of America
("MPAA") shall be restricted to persons at least eighteen (18) years of age or older. If an establishment that
is not otherwise prohibited from providing access to persons under eighteen (18) years of age sells, rents,
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 73 of 80
or displays movies, videos, DVDs, CDs, or laser disks that have been rated "X" or rated "NC-17" by the MPAA,
or which have not been submitted to the MPAA for a rating, and which consist of images that are
distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on depicting or describing specified sexual activities or
specified anatomical areas, said movies, videos, DVDs, CDs, and laser disks shall be located in a specific
section of the establishment from which persons under the age of eighteen (18) shall be prohibited.
6332.21. INSPECTIONS
Each permit applicant, permit holder, owner, operator, partner, director, officer, shareholder with a ten
percent (10%) or greater interest, agent, employee or other person in charge of an adult business shall permit
representatives of the Police Department, Health Department, Fire Department, Development Services Department,
other City departments, to inspect the adult business for the purpose of insuring compliance with the law and the
development and operating standards applicable to adult businesses at any time it is occupied or opened for
business. Such inspections shall be conducted in a reasonable manner.
6332.23. EMPLOYMENT OF PERFORMERS WITHOUT VALID LICENSE UNLAWFUL
It shall be unlawful for any owner, operator, manager, permit holder, partner, director, officer, shareholder
with a ten percent (10%) or greater interest, agent, employee or other person in charge of an adult business which
provides live entertainment displaying specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities to allow any person
to perform such entertainment who is not in possession of a valid, un-revoked, un-suspended adult business
performer license.
6332.25. REGULATIONS NON-EXCLUSIVE
The provisions of this Chapter regulating adult businesses are not intended to be exclusive, and compliance
therewith shall not excuse noncompliance with any other regulations pertaining to the operation of businesses as
adopted by the City Council of the City of Arcadia; provided, however, that the provisions contained in Article VI,
Chapters 1 through 4, inclusive, of the Arcadia Municipal Code shall be deemed superseded by these regulations in
the event a business activity therein also meets the definitions contained in this Chapter.
6332.27. VIOLATIONS
A. Any owner, permit holder, operator, manager, employee or independent contractor of an adult business
violating or permitting, counseling, or assisting the violation of any of these provisions regulating adult
businesses shall be subject to any and all civil remedies, including without limitation permit revocation. All
remedies provided herein shall be cumulative and not exclusive. Any violation of these provisions shall
constitute a separate violation for each and every day during which such violation is committed or
continued.
B. The restrictions imposed pursuant to this Chapter are part of a regulatory licensing process, and do not
constitute a criminal offense. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Arcadia Municipal Code, the City
does not impose a criminal penalty for violations of the provisions of this Chapter related to sexual conduct
or activities.
6332.29. PUBLIC NUISANCE
In addition to the penalties set forth in Section 6332.27 above, any adult business which is operating in
violation of these provisions regulating adult businesses is declared to constitute a public nuisance and, as such, may
be abated or enjoined from further operation.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 74 of 80
6332.31. SEVERABILITY
If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Chapter and the Ordinance to
which it is a part, or any part thereof is held for' any reason to be unconstitutional, invalid, or ineffective by any court
of competent jurisdiction, the remaining sections, subsections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, and phrases shall not
be affected thereby. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this Chapter and the Ordinance to
which it is a part regardless of the fact that one or more sections, subsections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or
phrases may be determined to be unconstitutional, invalid, or ineffective.
CHAPTER 4. DEFINITIONS
6400. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT DEFINITIONS
This Chapter provides definitions of terms and phrases used in this Article as a means of providing
consistency in its interpretation. Where any definition in this Chapter conflicts with definitions in other Articles of
the Arcadia Municipal Code, these definitions shall prevail for the purposes of this Article. If a word is not defined in
this Chapter or in other provisions of the Municipal Code, the most common dictionary definition is presumed to be
correct.
6400.01. “A” DEFINITIONS
Acupressure. The stimulation or sedation of specific meridian points and trigger points near the surface of
the body by the use of pressure applied in order to prevent or modify perception of pain or to normalize physiological
functions, including pain control, in the treatment of certain diseases or dysfunctions of the body.
Acupuncture. The stimulation of a certain point or points on or near the surface of the body by the insertion
of needles to prevent or modify the perception of pain or to normalize physiological functions, including pain control,
for the treatment of certain diseases or dysfunctions of the body and includes the techniques of electroacupuncture,
cupping, and moxibustion.
Acupuncturist. An individual to whom a license has been issued to practice acupuncture pursuant to
Chapter 12 of the Business and Professions Code, which is in effect and is not suspended or revoked.
Advertising Matter. Printed handbills, posters, booklets, cards in excess of two and one-half (2½) inches by
four (4) inches, and any other printed advertising matter describing or calling attention to any product, business,
enterprise, person, firm, or corporation for any purpose other than solely for religious or political purposes, but
excluding a newspaper.
Advertising Vehicle. The business of operating upon the street any wheeled vehicle equipped with music
or a musical device, loud speaker or other device for attracting attention, or of operating any wheeled vehicle for
advertising purposes and to which wheeled vehicle there are attached signs, placards, billboards or other advertising
matter.
Apartment Building. Any building or portion thereof which is designed, built, rented, leased, let, or hired
out to be occupied or which is occupied as the home or residence of four or more families living independently of
each other and doing their own cooking in said building, and includes flats and apartments.
Arcade (or Electronic Game Center). Shall have the same definition as defined in the Arcadia Development
Code, Division 9 of Chapter 1 of Article IX of this Code.
Automobile for hire. Shall mean and include every motor vehicle, including limousines, not equipped with
a taximeter which is used to provide prearranged transportation service for a fee. No automobile for hire shall be
painted a distinctive color for the purpose of identification.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 75 of 80
6400.02. “B” DEFINITIONS
6400.03. “C” DEFINITIONS
Canvassing. Shall include the act of any person, whether a resident of the city or not, traveling either by
foot, wagon, automotive vehicle or any other type of conveyance, from place to place, from house to house or from
street to street, advocating or proselytizing on behalf of a religious, charitable, social or political cause.
Carnival Ride. Rides that are typically found at a carnival, circus, or entertainment park, including, but not
limited to, Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and miniature railways.
Certified copy. A copy of a document that is certified by the issuer as being a true and accurate copy of the
original document or a similar document bearing an original signature of the issuer.
Chief of Police. The Chief of Police of the City of Arcadia, or a designated representative.
City Clerk. The City Clerk of the City of Arcadia, or the authorized designee thereof.
City of Arcadia Massage Verification Card. The no fee business license issued by the City of Arcadia after
receiving a certified copy of a Massage Certificate which verifies the massage therapist's ability to practice massage
in the City of Arcadia.
Commercial Recreation. Shall have the same definition as defined in the Arcadia Development Code,
Division 9 of Chapter 1 of Article IX of this Code, including, but not limited to, axe, ball, dart, knife, or ring throwing
or other similar device throwing, billiards and pool halls, bowling alleys, country clubs, and skating rinks.
Commercial Building Rental. Any building or portions thereof which is designed, built, rented, leased, let,
or hired out to be occupied or which is occupied as the business address of two (2) or more companies or businesses.
Contractor. Any person who engages with the owner or lessee or other person in possession of any lot or
parcel of land or building, for the erection, construction, or repair of any building or structure; or for the construction
or doing of any heating, air conditioning, automatic or other sprinkler system, paving, wrecking, excavating,
drainage, irrigation, electric signs, sign devices, gas filled luminous tube signs or designs, brick laying, cement work,
sewer work, painting, paperhanging, tile work, carpenter work, glazing, insulation, structural pest control, lathing,
plastering, roofing, sheet metal, shingling, flooring, swimming pools, landscaping, fencing, or interior decorating;
whether it be by contract at a fixed price, upon the cost of materials and labor basis, or upon the basis of the cost of
construction or repair plus a percentage thereof. Each contractor is required to have a vehicle tag.
6400.04. “D” DEFINITIONS
Day Care. Shall have the same definition as defined in the Arcadia Development Code, Division 9 of Chapter
1 of Article IX of this Code.
Daytime Sports and Athletics Events. Shall have the same definition as defined in the Arcadia Development
Code, Division 9 of Chapter 1 of Article IX of this Code, including but not limited to boxing match or contest, races
and speed contests either by human beings, animals other than horses, or vehicles of any kind and wresting match
or contest.
Disseminate. To distribute, deposit, hand out, pass out, give out, deliver, or throw away, including causing
or permitting any of the foregoing.
Distribute. The act of throwing, casting, or scattering, or causing the same to be done.
Driver. Shall mean and include any person in actual charge and control of any automobile for hire or taxicab.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 76 of 80
6400.05. “E” DEFINITIONS
Employee. One who is on duty at least four (4) hours out of twenty-four (24) hours.
Engaged in Business. The conducting, managing, or carrying on of any business, profession, trade,
occupation, or commercial enterprise for which a license or permit is required under the provisions of this Article,
as owner, officer, agent, manager, employee, or lessee of any of them. “Engaged in Business” also means "doing
business."
6400.06. “F” DEFINITIONS
Farmers' Market. Shall mean a location operated in accordance with the City's Development Code, Division
9 of Chapter 1 of Article IX of this Code; "An outdoor market certified for direct retail sales by farms to the public by
the State or County Agricultural Commission under California Code of Regulations Title 3, Chapter 3, Article 6.5.
Farmers' Markets can also include limited sales of crafts and goods."
For Pay. Shall mean for a fee, reward, donation, loan or receipt of anything of value.
Fortunetelling. Shall mean telling of fortunes, forecasting of futures, or furnishing of any information not
otherwise obtainable by the ordinary process of knowledge, by means of any occult, psychic power, faculty, force,
clairvoyance, clairaudience, cartomancy, psychology, psychometry, phrenology, spirits, tea leaves or other such
reading, mediumship, seership, prophecy, augury, astrology, palmistry, necromancy, mind-reading, telepathy, or
other craft art, science, cards, talisman, charm, potion, magnetism, magnetized article or substance, crystal gazing,
or magic of any kind or nature.
6400.07. “G” DEFINITIONS
Game Machine. Machines or games for skill or amusement/music boxes and mechanical devices, including
remote control machines operating from a central station means any person engaged in the business of maintaining
any machines or games for skill or amusement that involve the deposit or payment of a slug or coin and any vending
machines or games operated mechanically or otherwise in which slugs or coins are deposited and in addition to
vending or discharging merchandise make any display other than the merchandise offered for sale or which emit
anything whether of value or not in addition to merchandise or any person engaged in the business of maintaining
any amusement machine, apparatus or device designed or constructed for the purpose of producing or reproducing
or playing any musical tone or tones or combination of tones, or any similar instrument, recording device, music box,
jukebox, motion picture or photograph machine.
6400.08. “H” DEFINITIONS
6400.09. “I” DEFINITIONS
Indoor Entertainment. Shall have the same definition as defined in the Arcadia Development Code, Division
9 of Chapter 1 of Article IX of this Code, including but not limited to dance halls, motion picture theaters, opera
houses, and performing arts centers.
6400.10. “J” DEFINITIONS
6400.11. “K” DEFINITIONS
Kennel. Any place where four (4) or more dogs and cats, or four (4) or more of either, are maintained at
any one location.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 77 of 80
6400.12. “L” DEFINITIONS
6400.13. “M” DEFINITIONS
Massage (or Massage Therapy). Shall mean any method of pressure on, or friction against, or stroking,
kneading, rubbing, tapping, pounding, vibrating, or stimulating the external parts of the human body with the hands
or with the aid of any mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliance, with or without supplementary aids such as
creams, ointments, or other similar preparations commonly used in the practice of massage, under such
circumstances that it is reasonably expected that the person to whom the treatment is provided or some third person
on their behalf will pay money or give any other consideration or any gratuity therefor.
Massage Business License. The City of Arcadia business license required to be applied for and obtained by
anyone wishing to own or operate a massage therapy business.
Massage Certificate. Shall mean a certificate issued pursuant to Sections 4600 et seq. of the Business and
Professions Code.
Massage Patron. Any person who receives a massage in exchange for any form of consideration including,
but not limited to, the payment of money.
Massage therapist. Any person who, for any consideration whatsoever, performs or offers to perform a
massage in a massage therapy business.
Massage therapy business. Shall mean both massage establishments or businesses that are sole
proprietorships, where the sole proprietor has a Massage Certificate and massage establishments or businesses that
employ or use only persons that have a Massage Certificate to provide massage services.
Massage Therapist Identification Card. Shall mean a certain card issued by the City of Arcadia, pursuant to
Municipal Code provisions no longer in effect, which allows the holder of the card to practice massage in the City.
Minor. Any individual under the age of eighteen (18) years.
6400.14. “N” DEFINITIONS
Newspaper. A publication which has been and at the time of its dissemination or distribution is a second-
class matter under applicable United States Postal regulations, is a newspaper of general circulation under the laws
of the State, and at the time of its dissemination or distribution maintains a bona fide list of paying subscribers at
regular published rates.
Nudity (or Semi-nudity). Shall mean any of the following:
1. The appearance or display of an anus, male or female genital, pubic region or a female
breast; or
2. A state of undress which less than completely covers an anus, male or female genital,
pubic region or a female breast.
6400.15. “O” DEFINITIONS
6400.16. “P” DEFINITIONS
Park. Shall mean a public park owned by the City.
Parking Lot Sales. Sales that take place within an automobile parking lot.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 78 of 80
Peddlers and Solicitors. Every person who travels from place to place or house to house and makes
demonstrations of; solicits, takes orders, or canvasses for the sale of; or who sells any goods, wares, merchandise,
or things or articles of value of any nature, kind, or description.
Peddling. Shall include the acts of any person, whether a resident of the city or not, traveling by foot, wagon,
automotive vehicle or any other type of conveyance, from place to place, from house to house or from street to
street, carrying, conveying or transporting goods, wares, merchandise, meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, garden truck,
farm products or provisions offering and exposing the same for present sale, or making sales and delivering articles
to purchasers or offering services to be performed immediately.
Person. Shall mean any individual, group, firm, partnership, corporation, company, business trust,
Massachusetts Trust, syndicate, association, church, sect, denomination, society, league, or organization of any kind,
and every city, county, quasi-public unit, body, agency, or entity.
Poultry and Animal Business. The business of owning or maintaining twenty-five (25) or more birds, fowl,
poultry, rabbits, or animals (other than horses); and offering to sell, trade, or exchange for anything of value or
offering by any sign or other means of advertising to sell, trade, or exchange for anything of value, any birds, fowl,
poultry, rabbits, or animals (other than horses) or the offspring, products, or by-products thereof. Every person who
owns or maintains twenty-five (25) or more birds, fowl, poultry, rabbits, or animals (other than horses) and who
sells, offers to sell, trades, or exchanges for anything of value, or who by any sign or other means of advertising offers
to sell, trade, or exchange for anything of value, any birds, fowl, poultry, rabbits, or animals (other than horses) or
the offspring, products or by-products thereof, shall conclusively be presumed to be conducting, managing, and
carrying on a business subject to the provisions of this Article.
Premises. Includes a house, dwelling, building, structure, enclosure, business establishment, lot, yard,
location, place, alley, parkway, sidewalk, street, public way, or vehicle.
Printed. Includes mimeographed, lithographed, handwritten, stereotyped, typewritten, or painted.
Private Patrol. The operation, maintenance, or conduct of the business or occupation of night watchman,
night watch service, or agency; private policeman, police patrol service, or any other occupation the purpose of
which is to afford, for hire or reward, additional police, guard, or fire protection in addition to that furnished by the
City.
Private School. Shall have the same definition as defined in the Arcadia Development Code, Division 9 of
Chapter 1 of Article IX of this Code.
Public Dance Hall. A dance hall, dance floor, or ballroom open to the public.
6400.17. “Q” DEFINITIONS
6400.18. “R” DEFINITIONS
Rate Type. The business license tax schedule in Chapter 1, Part 2 of this Article to which a business or
occupation is subject.
Refusal register. Shall mean the most recent edition of the unsolicited written material refusal register
maintained by the City Clerk.
Residential Care Facility. Shall have the same definition as defined in the Arcadia Development Code,
Division 9 of Chapter 1 of Article IX of this Code.
Roaming sidewalk vendor. Shall mean a sidewalk vendor who moves from place to place and stops only to
complete a transaction.
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 79 of 80
6400.19. “S” DEFINITIONS
Sidewalk vendor. Shall mean 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.
Soliciting. Shall include the act of any person, whether a resident of the city or not, traveling either by foot,
wagon, automotive vehicle or any other type of conveyance, from place to place, from house to house or from street
to street, requesting money or personal property, or taking or attempting to take orders for sale of goods, wares
and merchandise, personal property of any nature whatsoever for future delivery or for services to be performed in
the future, whether or not such person has, carries or exposes for sale a sample of the subject of such sale, or
whether such person is collecting advance payment on such sale or not.
Special Outdoor Events. Shall have the same definition as “Special Events,” defined in the Arcadia
Development Code, Division 9 of Chapter 1 of Article IX of this Code, including but not limited to carnivals, circus,
exhibition, fair, and side show.
Specified anatomical area. Shall mean human genitals, pubic region or a female breast.
Supportive Housing. Shall have the same definition as defined in the Arcadia Development Code, Division
9 of Chapter 1 of Article IX of this Code.
Swap Meet. Any location operated in accordance with Article 6 (commencing with Section 21660) of
Chapter 9 of Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code, and any regulations adopted pursuant to that article.
6400.20. “T” DEFINITIONS
Taxicab. Shall mean and include an automobile having a distinctive insignia and color scheme, used for the
transportation of not more than five passengers for hire, excluding the driver, at rates based on the distance,
direction, number of trips, waiting time or any combination thereof.
Transitional Housing. Shall have the same definition as defined in the Arcadia Development Code, Arcadia
Development Code, Division 9 of Chapter 1 of Article IX of this Code.
6400.21. “U” DEFINITIONS
Unsolicited written material. Shall mean written material that is distributed to a business or residence in
the absence of a subscription agreement.
6400.22. “V” DEFINITIONS
6400.23. “W” DEFINITIONS
Wheeled Vehicle. An automobile, truck, tank truck, trailer, wagon, cart, or any and all contrivances used or
capable of being used as a means of transportation of persons or property, that move or roll on one or more wheels.
Written material. Shall mean any handbill, pamphlet, circular, newspaper, paper, booklet, poster, leaflet
or other printed matter.
6400.24. “X” DEFINITIONS
DRAFT - Business License Code Update 2025
Page 80 of 80
6400.25. “Y” DEFINITIONS
6400.26. “Z” DEFINITIONS