Non-Permitted Entertainment At Temecula Businesses Sparks Action

TEMECULA, CA — An effort that would make it easier for some Temecula businesses to offer entertainment is moving forward, but the city would have the upper hand in cracking down on bad actors.

On Feb. 2, the Temecula Planning Commission gave a unanimous green light to an Entertainment License Ordinance that will now move on to the City Council for consideration.

The effort came about after numerous complaints from residents and business owners about unlicensed and non-compliant entertainment, especially in Old Town. The city is spending staff, police and fire resources on trying to bring businesses into compliance, according to a city staff report.

Neil Cleveland owns the property that houses Temecula Stampede in Old Town. He told the Planning Commission that he wants a safe Old Town that doesn't invite trouble.

"I am interested in people playing by the rules," Cleveland said.

Today, Temecula businesses that want to offer entertainment must obtain a special Conditional Use Permit.

"The CUP process can be considered by some to be too costly and time-consuming. This is especially true for small businesses," according to the staff report. A coffee shop that wants to offer live music from a classical guitarist was cited as an example.

The proposed Entertainment License Ordinance would streamline that process, eliminating some red tape. The annual cost for the business license would be between $100 and $500, depending on what type of entertainment would be provided, hours of operation, and whether alcohol would be served, according to city staff.

Revoking that license would be easier, too, if needed. Currently, when a CUP for entertainment is obtained, the permit runs with the land and is not tied to the owner and/or operator of the business.

This essentially allows a CUP to be valid forever, "provided an applicant does not pursue any modifications to the original approval," according to the city staff report.

If the city needs to revoke a CUP due to non-compliance — for example, loud music that disturbs neighbors after hours — "the CUP revocation process is costly and time consuming for the city," according to the report.

The proposed ordinance would not apply to establishments that already have a CUP for entertainment. Planning Commissioner Adam A. Ruiz said he wasn't sure the ordinance would have much impact in Old Town because many of the businesses have CUPs for entertainment, but he said it could be an important tool moving forward, "especially if we develop Uptown."

Cities like San Diego and Carlsbad — known for their many entertainment venues — have ordinances in place similar to the one proposed for Temecula, according to city staff.

The Stampede is undergoing expansion, and Neil said he will be applying for an entertainment license under the new ordinance once it is passed.

He told the commissioners, "We're not off-track. We're rule players."