City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: JULY 28, 2026 FROM: COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WARDS: ALL
DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: INTRODUCE AND SUBSEQENTLY ADOPT A REVISION TO RIVERSIDE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 5.80.070, REGARDING ENTERTAINMENT PERMIT FINDINGS ISSUE:
Introduce and subsequently adopt a revision to Riverside Municipal Code Chapter 5.80.070 regarding the issuance of an Entertainment Permit. The amendment is intended to support existing businesses that provide entertainment activities to transition to and operate under an Entertainment Permit.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council introduce and subsequently adopt an Ordinance amending Chapter 5.80 of the Riverside Municipal Code.
BACKGROUND:
On November 5, 2019, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 7488 to add Chapter 5.80.070 within Title 5 (Businesses) of the Riverside Municipal Code. Chapter 5.80 regulates the operation of entertainment or entertainment establishments for the public health, safety and welfare by implementing minimum standards applicable to the operation of all entertainment or entertainment establishments. On February 4, 2020, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 7505 to update several sections of Title 19 (Zoning) to reflect the newly created Entertainment Permit provisions of Chapter 5.80.
DISCUSSION:
Prior to the adoption of Ordinance Nos. 7488 and 7505, entertainment uses were regulated through Minor Conditional Use Permits (MCUP) and Conditional Use Permits (CUP). The conditions of approval for entertainment MCUPs and CUPs varied slightly depending on when the entitlement was approved and which staff member processed the entitlement. The Entertainment Permit (EP) was created to ensure consistent and equitable regulation of entertainment venues. By standardizing requirements across businesses, the EP provides clear expectations for venue operators and supports efficient, uniform enforcement. Additionally, MCUPs and CUPs are monitored and enforced by Community and Economic Development Department (CEDD) staff, who typically do not work during the hours entertainment uses operate, whereas EPs are administered and enforced by the Riverside Police Department (RPD).
CEDD and RPD staff agree that all entertainment uses with the City should obtain a valid EP. This means several existing entertainment uses must modify their MCUP or CUP to conduct entertainment activities under an EP. There are seven findings the Chief of Police must make to approve the issuance of an EP. One of these findings states:
Neither the permittee or any responsible person or principal of the Permittee has a history of committing, permitting or failing to prevent significant violations of the city code, or any license or permit, in connection with an entertainment establishment for which he or she was a responsible person.
The broad language of the above finding could prevent some existing entertainment uses from obtaining an EP. The proposed amendment would provide an alternative path for existing entertainment uses to obtain an Entertainment Permit by allowing the Chief of Police to issue an EP if the permittee demonstrates they have abated the issues and agree to additional terms and conditions.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact related to this action.
Prepared by: Laurel Reimer, City Planner
Approved by: Miranda Evans, Community & Economic Development Director Certified as to
availability of funds: Julie Nemes, Finance Director
Approved by: Edward Enriquez, Interim City Manager/Chief Financial Officer Approved as to form: Rebecca McKee-Reimbold, Interim City Attorney Attachments:
Ordinance Redlined
Presentation
Chapter 5.80.070 Amendment ● Page 2