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

San Jacinto Municipal Code Chapter 17.400 regulates adult-oriented businesses in the City of San Jacinto, Riverside County, California. Section 17.400.030 first limits them to zones and planning areas that specifically list adult-oriented businesses as allowed uses, then adds distance rules: 750 feet from any existing residential zone, park, religious institution, or school; 400 feet from any existing adult-oriented business, whether in the City, in an adjoining city or in an unincorporated area; and 500 feet from any business licensed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to serve or sell alcoholic beverages. When two applications could land closer together than 400 feet, the one accepted first is processed first. Distances are measured in a straight line, without regard to City boundaries and intervening structures, from the primary entrance of the business to the nearest property line of the residential zone, park, religious institution or school, and from primary entrance to primary entrance for other businesses. No more than one adult-oriented business is allowed in the same building or commercial/industrial center unless separated by more than 400 feet.

Permits come on top of zoning. Under § 17.400.070, operating requires an adult-oriented business permit and an adult use planning permit for each location, in addition to a business license, and performers need an adult entertainer permit. Applications go to the City Manager; the planning permit application must include a straight-line drawing prepared within 30 days before filing showing the surrounding area within a 500-foot radius (§ 17.400.080). Permits are valid for 12 months and renewal applications are due at least 20 business days before expiration (§ 17.400.140). An unexercised planning permit is void after 12 months, and one is void if the business ceases to operate for six months.

Operating standards are tight. Under § 17.400.060, businesses can be open only between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m., no one under 18 can be on the premises, and the permit must be displayed conspicuously. A manager must be on duty during all open hours. Sex supermarkets, sex mini-malls and sexual encounter establishments are prohibited outright (§ 17.400.280). The Police Chief enforces the chapter (§ 17.400.270). A denied, suspended or revoked permit can be appealed to the City Clerk within 10 business days (§ 17.400.180).