Chandler, AZ Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)

Chandler City Code § 18-5.1 bars operating a sexually oriented business, classified under § 18-3 as an adult bookstore, adult service business, adult video facility, or combination, without a valid permit for that specific classification, and § 18-5.2 requires a separate permit for each additional premises. Applications go to the Customer Services Manager under § 18-6.1: a notarized, under-oath form in triplicate with a nonrefundable application fee and Council-set annual permit fee (prorated quarterly, 100% down to 25% by quarter of filing), plus a current photograph, fingerprints run through the Police Department, and a to-scale floor diagram showing manager's stations and lighting.

The Police Chief runs a criminal history check limited to sexual, racketeering, prostitution, drug, or child-exploitation offenses within the prior three years (§ 18-4.1.B, § 18-6.3.H), and the Zoning Administrator checks compliance with zoning and building codes. The Customer Services Manager must mail a permit or notice of intent to deny within 45 days of filing (§ 18-9). Separate manager permits (§ 18-7) and adult service provider permits (§ 18-8) are required, except an adult bookstore-only manager. Operating requirements for adult service businesses (§ 18-11) bar performers under 18, require services on a stage at least 18 inches high set back at least 3 feet with a 3-foot barrier, prohibit customer-employee touching of breasts, buttocks or genitals, require a manager physically present at all times services are provided, and bar adult services between 1:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on weekdays or 1:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Sundays (§ 18-11.6).

Adult video facilities must maintain at least one footcandle of lighting and unobstructed sightlines from a manager's station capped at 32 square feet (§ 18-12). Permits expire December 31 annually and renewal applications are due at least 45 days before expiration (§ 18-19.1).