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Buena Park, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

School/church/park buffer
300 feet minimum
Other adult business buffer
1,000 feet minimum
Permits required
Business permit + zoning permit
Operating hours limit
Closed midnight to 8 a.m.

Summary

Buena Park requires a permit to operate any adult entertainment business and bars locating one within 300 feet of schools, churches, parks, or homes, or within 1,000 feet of another such business.

No adult entertainment business shall be established within specified distances of certain specified land uses or areas as set forth below:

1. No such business shall be established within 300 feet of any school, church, park, hospital, publicly operated facility, or residentially zoned property.

2. No such business shall be established within 1,000 feet of any other adult entertainment business.

3. No such business shall be established on properties with a zoning designation of AR, OS, and MR.

4. No such business shall be established on properties located within 500 feet of the Beach Boulevard right-of-way.

5. No such business shall be established on properties located within 300 feet of the Knott Ave. right-of-way between the 91, Artesia/Riverside Freeway and Melrose Ave.

6. No such business shall be established on properties located south of the 91, Artesia/Riverside Freeway.

7. No such business shall be established on any and all properties located within the "Superblock" or "Manchester/Artesia" redevelopment project areas or properties located within 300 feet therefrom.

E.

Full Breakdown

Buena Park Municipal Code Chapter 5.44 makes it unlawful to operate an adult entertainment business, arcades, bookstores, cabarets, theaters, adult hotels/motels, modeling studios, and similar uses, without an adult entertainment business permit from the finance director, plus a separate adult entertainment zoning permit under Section 19.552.090. That zoning section sets minimum proximity requirements: no such business may locate within 300 feet of a school, church, park, hospital, public facility, or residentially zoned property, within 1,000 feet of another adult entertainment business, or within 500 feet of the Beach Boulevard right-of-way, among other siting limits.

Violations & Fines

Operating without both the business permit and zoning permit is unlawful; permits can be suspended up to a year or revoked for code violations, criminal activity, or false application information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How close can an adult business locate to a school in Buena Park?
Not within 300 feet: the same 300-foot buffer applies to churches, parks, hospitals, public facilities, and residential zones under Section 19.552.090(D).
Does Buena Park require a separate permit for adult businesses?
Yes: an adult entertainment business permit from the finance director under Chapter 5.44 and an adult entertainment zoning permit under Section 19.552.090 are both required.

Sources & Official References

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