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

Section 15-2705 of the Citywide Development Code regulates adult bookstores, adult motion picture theaters and arcades, cabarets, model studios, sexual encounter centers, and similar uses under a single Conditional Use Permit framework. 1 sets three separate 1,000-foot buffers: from any Residential District or existing residence, from any educational institution (public or private schools, nursery schools, child-care nurseries), religious or cultural institution, or public park, and from any other Adult-Oriented Business, meaning a new adult business effectively cannot cluster near an existing one or near sensitive uses.

The only carve-out is for a business forced to relocate because of a public taking for an infrastructure project. m. on Friday and Saturday, no late-night or 24-hour operation is permitted regardless of district. The Planning Commission (or City Council on appeal) may approve the required CUP only if the proposed facility meets these standards, though it can add further conditions on lighting, hours, or display materials. 4 layers on a mandatory security program: parking areas and building entries must carry at least one foot-candle of exterior illumination during all operating hours, non-picture-viewing interior areas need at least two foot-candles, and the Fresno Police Department can require security guards if it determines their presence is necessary to prevent unlawful conduct. B cross-references the citywide public nudity ban at FMC § 9-2602.