Pleasanton, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)
Key Facts
- Spacing requirement
- 500 ft from other adult businesses, homes, churches, schools, parks, bars
- Permit issuer
- Chief of police, within 60 days
- Operating hours
- Must close 11 p.m. to 10 a.m.
- Permit term
- Renewed annually
- Security staffing
- Required if occupant load exceeds 125
- Governing chapter
- Municipal Code Ch. 18.114, Ord. 1603 (1993)
Summary
Pleasanton bars any new adult entertainment establishment within 500 feet of another such business, a residential zone, a church, school, public park, or an establishment serving alcohol. Operators also need a police department permit requiring fingerprinting and background checks, and the business must close between 11 p.m. and 10 a.m.
No person shall cause or permit the establishment, enlargement or transfer of ownership or control of any adult entertainment establishment if such establishment is within 500 feet of another such business, 500 feet of any residential zone or residential use, or within 500 feet (of any church, school, or public park within the city, or within 500 feet of an establishment selling and serving alcohol. For purposes of this section, a hotel/motel shall not be considered as a residential use.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4955754; v17 updated 2026-06-02).
Full Breakdown
040, in a straight line from the closest exterior wall of the adult business to the nearest property line of the protected use. 060 requires a separate police department permit: the applicant must submit fingerprints, photographs, a three-year address and employment history, and corporate ownership details, and the chief of police has 60 days to issue the permit or provide a written denial. 070. " The same section requires screened windows, an unobstructed manager's station, posted notice that minors are precluded, and, for establishments over 125 occupants, licensed on-site security during all business hours. 114 dates to Ordinance 1603 of 1993, with permit provisions amended by Ordinance 2000 in 2009.
Violations & Fines
Section 18.114.160 lets the zoning administrator suspend a permit for up to 30 days for violations including operating without a manager present, allowing lewd conduct on the premises, or refusing a lawful inspection. Section 18.114.170 requires outright revocation, with a one-year reapplication bar at that location, for grounds such as a false statement on the application, a felony conviction tied to the business, or knowingly admitting a minor; two suspensions within three years also triggers revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close can an adult business be to a school or church in Pleasanton?
What does an adult entertainment permit application require?
What hours can an adult business operate in Pleasanton?
Can the city revoke an adult business permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pleasanton
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Adult Entertainment in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle adult entertainment.