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

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

Key Facts

Permitted zone
C-2 medium commercial only
Approval needed
Conditional use permit
By-right zones
None countywide
Governing section
Imperial County Code § 90513.02

Summary

Imperial County allows adult bookstores and adult movie theaters only in the C-2 medium commercial zone, and only with a conditional use permit: no zone in the unincorporated county permits them outright.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Imperial County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The following uses are permitted in the C-2 Zone provided they meet the requirements of this Title: a)Adult book stores.b)Adult movie theater.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 - 9-25).

Full Breakdown

Imperial County Code § 90513.02 lists 'Adult book stores' and 'Adult movie theater' among the uses permitted in the C-2 (medium commercial) zone only with an approved conditional use permit: the discretionary review required for uses the county has flagged for case-by-case land-use scrutiny. Any use not enumerated under §§ 90513.01 or 90513.02 is prohibited in the C-2 zone under § 90513.03, so these uses are not allowed outright in any zone. The rule governs only unincorporated territory; El Centro, Calexico, Brawley, Imperial, Holtville, Westmorland and Calipatria regulate adult businesses under their own separate city codes.

Violations & Fines

Operating an adult bookstore or theater without an approved CUP is an unlisted, prohibited use under § 90513.03, punishable as an infraction or misdemeanor under Imperial County Code § 1.16.010.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an adult bookstore anywhere in unincorporated Imperial County?
No. Only the C-2 medium commercial zone allows adult bookstores or adult movie theaters, and only with an approved conditional use permit: no zone allows them by right.
Does this rule apply inside El Centro or Calexico?
No, this covers only the unincorporated county. El Centro, Calexico, Brawley and the other cities each regulate adult businesses under their own separate municipal codes.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Imperial County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsTattoo & Body ModificationSome RestrictionsAuto Repair on Residential PropertyHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All Imperial County rules

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