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Council adopts limited entertainment permit fees to implement updated entertainment ordinance
Summary
After the council amended the entertainment establishment ordinance earlier in April, staff returned with a proposed fee for the new limited entertainment permit and updated fee names; council approved a $750 two‑year fee and a $650 renewal fee, finding the charge a reasonable regulatory cost.
The Sacramento City Council voted unanimously to add fees implementing the limited entertainment permit created earlier this spring by ordinance change to Title 5, Chapter 108.
Staff presented a resolution to amend the citywide fee schedule to include the new limited entertainment permit and to rename several existing fees to align with the ordinance that took effect May 2. The department proposed a $750 application fee for a limited entertainment permit that is valid for two years, with a $650 renewal fee; staff said the structure would encourage compliance and that the per‑year cost equates to roughly $200 if a permit receives the two‑year standard term plus a potential two‑year extension.
Business groups and district business partnerships including the Downtown Sacramento Partnership and the R‑Street Partnership supported the permit program and the limited permit fee, saying it will reduce barriers for small businesses to activate sidewalk cafes and temporary entertainment.
Councilmember Maple moved and council approved the fee resolution 9‑0; council also waived the usual Budget & Audit Committee referral on a procedural basis because the fees had been discussed publicly in the April ordinance hearings.
Votes at a glance
- Motion: Adopt fee schedule amendment to add a $750 limited entertainment permit (two‑year term) and $650 renewal; waive Budget & Audit Committee pre‑review. Vote: 9‑0.
Why it matters
The new permit and fees implement the council’s ordinance changes intended to simplify permitting for smaller entertainment activities and provide clearer categories for temporary, limited, and special entertainment uses. Councilmembers cited the potential benefits for small businesses and downtown activation.
What’s next
Staff will publish the new fees and begin accepting limited entertainment permit applications; departments will monitor the program and report back on implementation as needed.
