Murrieta, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- City Manager
- Permit term
- 1 year from issuance
- Buffer survey radius
- 1,500 feet of sensitive uses
- Operating without permit
- Misdemeanor
- Max suspension length
- 30 days
- Renewal filing deadline
- 30 days before expiration
Summary
Murrieta requires every sexually-oriented business to hold a city permit before opening. Operating without one is a misdemeanor. The city manager grants, denies, suspends and revokes these permits, and applicants must clear a 1,500-foot survey of nearby schools, churches, parks and homes.
A. No sexually-oriented business shall be permitted to operate without a valid permit issued by the city for the particular type of business. It is unlawful and a person commits a misdemeanor if he/she operates or causes to be operated a sexually-oriented business without the permit. B. The city manager is responsible for granting, denying, revoking, renewing, suspending, and canceling sexually-oriented business permits for proposed or existing sexually-oriented businesses. The city manager is also responsible for ascertaining whether a proposed sexually-oriented business for which a permit is being applied for complies with all locational requirements of the city zoning ordinance, all applicable zoning laws and/or regulations now in effect or as amended or enacted subsequent to the effective date of this chapter in the city and the city comprehensive plan.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-23: A Codification of the General Ordinances of the City of Murrieta, California through Ord. 634-26, passed 7-7-2026).
Full Breakdown
020(A)). 020(B)); the Chief of Police supplies information on any applicant's criminal history. 030(D)(12)). 040(C)). 040(C)(1)(j)). 070(B)). 050). 130).
Violations & Fines
Operating a sexually-oriented business without a valid city permit is a misdemeanor (§ 5.16.020(A)), as is advertising prohibited activity or performances (§ 5.16.130) or refusing a lawful inspection by the city manager, police, health department or fire department (§ 5.16.060(B)). The city manager can suspend a permit up to 30 days for chapter violations, excessive on-premises alcohol use, gambling, unlawful permit transfer, or an uncorrected building/fire/health/zoning violation after a 7-day cure period (§ 5.16.080).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Murrieta require a special permit for a sexually-oriented business?
How far must a sexually-oriented business stay from schools or homes in Murrieta?
How long does a Murrieta sexually-oriented business permit last?
Can the city suspend an adult business permit in Murrieta?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Murrieta
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