Supervisor proposals for entertainment zones win board’s conceptual approval

Rob Peters, deputy director of Planning, asked the board to provide conceptual approval to amend Title 5 of the county code to allow locally designated entertainment zones under Senate Bill 969 (effective Jan. 1, 2025). Peters said a formal request from El Dorado Hills Town Center seeks an entertainment‑zone framework to permit controlled outdoor beverage service during specified days and hours under defined boundaries and safety plans.

Peters described state statute requirements: defined boundaries and hours, on‑site security and ID checks, prohibitions on minors, biannual reporting and availability of reports to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Supporters from the El Dorado Hills Town Center and the Colorado Hills Chamber of Commerce described entertainment zones as tools for economic development and event viability. The board discussed potential countywide applications (Georgetown and other town centers) and emphasized law‑enforcement coordination; Sheriff/CHP input was noted as necessary.

The board gave conceptual approval for staff to prepare an ordinance and told staff to work closely with law‑enforcement partners and community groups on details. Supervisor Parlin urged an aggressive timeline for Founders’ Day in September if feasible; staff said the town‑center application has many elements that could speed the first zone’s preparation.

Representative quote: "This is really a nice thing for these kinds of events," Supervisor Parlin said, urging Town Center and other communities be included in the effort.

Next steps: staff will draft ordinance language, continue outreach, and return with a formal application and first‑reading materials for any district‑specific zones.