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

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

Key Facts

Permit authority
City Council by resolution
Application fee
$50 nonrefundable
Spacing buffer
1,000 ft from schools, playgrounds, other adult businesses, residential zones
Operating hours
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight
Transfer fee
$50; permit voids 30 days after uncleared transfer
Revocation process
Police Chief initiates; City Manager hearing in 10-30 days

Summary

Livermore bars adult bookstores and adult motion picture theaters within 1,000 feet of elementary or junior high schools, public playgrounds, other adult businesses, or any residentially zoned parcel. Operators need a City Council-issued permit under Chapter 5.08 before opening, and the Chief of Police can move to suspend or revoke that permit for disorderly conduct or state-law violations on the premises.

A. No adult bookstore or adult motion picture theater shall be located on any property, or any portion thereof, which is within 1,000 feet of any property or portion thereof used for any elementary school, junior high school or public playground. B. No adult bookstore or adult motion picture theater shall be located on any property, or any portion thereof, which is within 1,000 feet of any other property or portion thereof on which an adult bookstore or an adult motion picture theater is located and doing business. C. No adult bookstore or adult motion picture theater shall be located on any property, or portion thereof, which is within 1,000 feet of any lot or parcel of property, or portion thereof, which is located in a zone district which designates single-family or multiple-family residential uses as permitted uses.

Full Breakdown

030). 050). 070). 110: no site within 1,000 feet of an elementary school, junior high school or public playground; within 1,000 feet of another operating adult bookstore or theater; or within 1,000 feet of any parcel zoned to permit single-family or multiple-family residential use. 120). 090).

Violations & Fines

Operating an adult bookstore or adult motion picture theater without a City Council permit is unlawful under § 5.08.030. Under § 5.08.130 the Chief of Police may initiate suspension or permanent revocation for permitting public disorder, lewd or intoxicated persons on the premises, conduct violating listed Penal Code sex-crime, obscenity or disorderly-conduct sections, drug offenses under Health and Safety Code §§ 11054-11058, or knowingly admitting anyone under 18. The City Manager holds an administrative hearing 10 to 30 days after written notice of the violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far must a Livermore adult bookstore be from a school?
Section 5.08.110 sets a minimum 1,000-foot buffer from any elementary school, junior high school or public playground, from any other operating adult bookstore or theater, and from any lot zoned to permit single-family or multiple-family residential use, which rules out most non-industrial parcels citywide.
Can I open an adult bookstore in Livermore without a permit?
No. Section 5.08.030 makes it unlawful to operate an adult bookstore or adult motion picture theater without a permit issued by City Council resolution, following a $50 application and a police background investigation into the applicant's criminal and licensing history.
What hours can Livermore adult businesses stay open?
Section 5.08.120 limits operation to between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight, and separately bars displaying sexually explicit stock-in-trade, posters or advertising in a way visible from any public street, private residence or business premises.
Can the City revoke an adult business permit?
Yes. Under Section 5.08.130 the Chief of Police can initiate suspension or revocation for disorder, admitting intoxicated or lewd persons, violations of specified Penal Code sex-crime or obscenity sections, or letting anyone under 18 onto the premises, followed by a City Manager hearing held 10 to 30 days after notice.

Sources & Official References

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