Chino, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)
Key Facts
- Zoning
- Permitted only in SC zone
- Buffer from sensitive uses
- 1,000 ft (homes, schools, churches, parks)
- Buffer from other adult business
- 2,000 feet
- Permit
- Required; unlicensed operation is a misdemeanor
- Revocation trigger
- On-site sex-crime convictions
Summary
Chino confines adult-oriented businesses to its SC service-commercial zone and requires them to sit at least 1,000 feet from homes, schools, parks and churches, 2,000 feet from any other adult business, and hold a city permit.
A.Adult-oriented businesses shall only be permitted within the SC, service commercial zone within the city.B.Adult-oriented businesses shall not be located within one thousand feet of:1.Any residential or open space zone, or2.Any church, chapel or similar place of worship, or3.Any school, park or playground...C.Adult-oriented businesses shall not be located within two thousand feet of any other adult-oriented business, whether it is located within or outside of the city limits.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38).
Full Breakdown
Municipal Code § 5.05.025 requires a city-issued adult-oriented business permit (and a separate performer permit), processed by the city manager or designee within thirty business days and subject to background review (§ 5.05.030, § 5.05.050). Location is tightly restricted under § 5.05.150: adult-oriented businesses may locate only in the SC (service commercial) zone, must sit at least 1,000 feet from any residential or open-space zone, church, school, park, playground or recreational facility, and at least 2,000 feet from any other adult-oriented business, whether inside or outside city limits; distances run straight-line, property line to property line. A permit can be suspended or revoked after investigation, notice and hearing for a long list of grounds, including on-premises sex-crime convictions (§ 5.05.130).
Violations & Fines
Operating without a valid adult-oriented business permit is a misdemeanor under § 5.05.030(A). Permits can be suspended or revoked for code violations, fraud in the application, or qualifying criminal convictions occurring on the premises (§ 5.05.130); persons under 18 and obviously intoxicated persons are barred from the premises (§ 5.05.155).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chino
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Adult Entertainment in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle adult entertainment.