Merced, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit types
- Regulatory, performer, escort, figure model
- Issuing officer
- Police chief
- Spacing requirement
- 1,000 ft from schools/churches/parks/homes
- Permit term
- 1 year, renew 30 days before expiry
- Operating hours
- 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Security staffing
- 1 guard per 10 spaces after 5 p.m.
Summary
Operating an adult entertainment business in Merced without a city permit is unlawful under Municipal Code Sec. 5.58.030, and every application must map any other adult business, church, school, park, or residential zone within 1,000 feet of the entrance before the police chief will consider it.
A.It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in, conduct or carry on, or to permit to be engaged in, conducted or carried on, in or upon any premises in the City of Merced, the operation of an adult entertainment business unless the person first obtains and continues to maintain in full force and effect a permit from the City of Merced as herein required. (Adult Business Regulatory Permit). ... H.A certificate and straight-line drawing prepared within thirty (30) days prior to application depicting the building and the portion thereof to be occupied by the adult entertainment business, and: (1) the property line of any other adult entertainment business within 1,000 feet of the primary entrance of the adult entertainment business for which a permit is requested; and (2) the property lines of any church, school, park, residential zone or use within 1,000 feet of the primary entrance of the adult entertainment business.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 - 1-26).
Full Breakdown
58 requires three distinct permits: an Adult Business Regulatory Permit for the business itself, an Adult Entertainment Business Performer Permit for anyone performing specified sexual activities or displaying specified anatomical areas, and Escort or Figure Model Permits for those job categories (Sec. 030). Applications for the regulatory permit go to the police chief with a non-refundable filing fee (Sec. 040) and must include ownership information, a floor-plan sketch, and the required 1,000-foot spacing survey (Sec. 050). The police chief has 30 days to investigate and grant or deny the permit, checking compliance with the locational criteria in Sec.
030 and the development and performance standards in Sec. 180 (Sec. 060). m. Permits expire one year from issuance and must be renewed at least 30 days before expiration (Sec. 070). Employees under 18 cannot be hired (Sec. 210), and every performer must carry a police-issued identification card available for inspection (Sec. 200).
Violations & Fines
The police chief must deny an application if the premises fail health, zoning, fire, or safety standards, if the applicant makes a false or fraudulent statement, if the applicant is under 18, or if the fee goes unpaid (Sec. 5.58.070). Permits may be suspended or revoked after a hearing for failing the Sec. 5.58.180 performance standards, for knowingly permitting unlawful sexual conduct or prostitution on the premises, or for violations of Penal Code Sections 311 through 313.4, 315, 316, or 647(b) (Sec. 5.58.110). Employing an unpermitted performer, escort, or figure model is separately unlawful under Sec. 5.58.240.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far must an adult entertainment business be from a school in Merced?
Who approves adult entertainment permits in Merced?
What hours can an adult entertainment business operate in Merced?
Can Merced revoke an adult entertainment business permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Merced
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