{
  "batch": "171-california-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
  "articles": [
    {
      "id": "learn_r171_california_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_california_171_1",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "California: any state-level licensing requirement and what triggers it",
      "summary": "Fictitious Business Name filings are required by California State Business & Professions Code Sections 14411 and 17900.",
      "body": "Fictitious Business Name filings are required by California State Business & Professions Code Sections 14411 and 17900.\n\nWhat California (official) actually says:\n\n“FBN filings are required pursuant to California State Business & Professions Code Sections 14411 and 17900.”\n\nNote: Shift Board: page fetched by the program, quote picked by bifrost:kilo/kilo-auto/free, quote checked word-for-word on the page by the program",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.fresnocountyca.gov/Departments/County-ClerkRegistrar-of-Voters/County-Clerk/Fictitious-Business-Names",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-24",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "California (official)",
      "evidence_quote": "FBN filings are required pursuant to California State Business & Professions Code Sections 14411 and 17900.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "171-california-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "California",
      "topic": "any state-level licensing requirement and what triggers it",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "California",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us-ca"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r171_california_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_california_171_2",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "California: any state-level licensing requirement and what triggers it",
      "summary": "To register or organize an LLC in California, you must contact the Secretary of State (SOS).",
      "body": "To register or organize an LLC in California, you must contact the Secretary of State (SOS).\n\nWhat California (official) actually says:\n\n“To register or organize an LLC in California, contact the Secretary of State (SOS):”\n\nNote: Shift Board: page fetched by the program, quote picked by omniroute:nest-kit, quote checked word-for-word on the page by the program",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/business/types/limited-liability-company/index.html",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-24",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "California (official)",
      "evidence_quote": "To register or organize an LLC in California, contact the Secretary of State (SOS):",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "171-california-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "California",
      "topic": "any state-level licensing requirement and what triggers it",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "California",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us-ca"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r171_california_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_ca_penal_318_5_statute",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] California Penal Code Section 318.5: State-level statutory definition of adult or sexually oriented business",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] California Penal Code Section 318.5 defines an adult or sexually oriented business as any establishment that regularly features live performances distinguished by emphasis on exposure of specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities, and authorizes cities and counties to regulate such businesses.",
      "body": "California Penal Code Section 318.5 defines an adult or sexually oriented business as any establishment that regularly features live performances distinguished by emphasis on exposure of specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities, and authorizes cities and counties to regulate such businesses.\n\nWhat California Legislative Information actually says:\n\n“(a) Nothing in this code shall invalidate an ordinance of, or be construed to prohibit the adoption of an ordinance by, a county or city, if that ordinance directly regulates the exposure of the genitals or buttocks of any person, or the breasts of any female person, who acts as a waiter, waitress, or entertainer, whether or not the owner of the establishment in which the activity is performed employs or pays any compensation to that person to perform the activity, in an adult or sexually oriented business. For purposes of this section, an \"adult or sexually oriented business\" includes any establishment that regularly features live performances which are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on the exposure of the genitals or buttocks of any person, or the breasts of any female person, or specified sexual activities that involve the exposure of the genitals or buttocks of any person, or the breasts of any female person.”\n\nNote: This is the anchor record. California Penal Code 318.5 is the state-level statute that defines adult or sexually oriented businesses and authorizes local regulation. The statute does not itself create a state licensing requirement; it authorizes local ordinances.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN&sectionNum=318.5",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "California Legislative Information",
      "evidence_quote": "(a) Nothing in this code shall invalidate an ordinance of, or be construed to prohibit the adoption of an ordinance by, a county or city, if that ordinance directly regulates the exposure of the genitals or buttocks of any person, or the breasts of any female person, who acts as a waiter, waitress, or entertainer, whether or not the owner of the establishment in which the activity is performed employs or pays any compensation to that person to perform the activity, in an adult or sexually oriented business. For purposes of this section, an \"adult or sexually oriented business\" includes any establishment that regularly features live performances which are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on the exposure of the genitals or buttocks of any person, or the breasts of any female person, or specified sexual activities that involve the exposure of the genitals or buttocks of any person, or the breasts of any female person.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "171-california-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "California Penal Code Section 318.5",
      "topic": "State-level statutory definition of adult or sexually oriented business",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "California state statute",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us-ca"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r171_california_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_ca_penal_318_5_residence_exclusion",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] California Penal Code Section 318.5: Whether private residence producing content for online sale falls within the statutory definition",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] California Penal Code Section 318.5 defines adult or sexually oriented businesses as establishments that regularly feature live performances; the statute does not explicitly address private residences producing content for online distribution, and the definition focuses on establishments with live performances or physical premises where patrons are present.",
      "body": "California Penal Code Section 318.5 defines adult or sexually oriented businesses as establishments that regularly feature live performances; the statute does not explicitly address private residences producing content for online distribution, and the definition focuses on establishments with live performances or physical premises where patrons are present.\n\nWhat California Legislative Information actually says:\n\n“For purposes of this section, an \"adult or sexually oriented business\" includes any establishment that regularly features live performances which are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on the exposure of the genitals or buttocks of any person, or the breasts of any female person, or specified sexual activities that involve the exposure of the genitals or buttocks of any person, or the breasts of any female person.”\n\nNote: The statute's definition of 'establishment that regularly features live performances' suggests it targets physical venues with patron attendance rather than private residences producing content for online distribution. However, the statute does not explicitly exclude private residences.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN&sectionNum=318.5",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "California Legislative Information",
      "evidence_quote": "For purposes of this section, an \"adult or sexually oriented business\" includes any establishment that regularly features live performances which are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on the exposure of the genitals or buttocks of any person, or the breasts of any female person, or specified sexual activities that involve the exposure of the genitals or buttocks of any person, or the breasts of any female person.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "171-california-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "California Penal Code Section 318.5",
      "topic": "Whether private residence producing content for online sale falls within the statutory definition",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "California state statute",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-ca"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r171_california_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_ca_state_licensing_requirement",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Whether California requires a state-level license or permit for adult entertainment businesses",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] California does not have a statewide licensing requirement specifically for adult entertainment businesses; licensing and zoning regulation is delegated to cities and counties through Penal Code Section 318.5 and local ordinances.",
      "body": "California does not have a statewide licensing requirement specifically for adult entertainment businesses; licensing and zoning regulation is delegated to cities and counties through Penal Code Section 318.5 and local ordinances.\n\nWhat California Legislative Information actually says:\n\n“Nothing in this code shall invalidate an ordinance of, or be construed to prohibit the adoption of an ordinance by, a county or city, if that ordinance directly regulates the exposure of the genitals or buttocks of any person, or the breasts of any female person, who acts as a waiter, waitress, or entertainer, whether or not the owner of the establishment in which the activity is performed employs or pays any compensation to that person to perform the activity, in an adult or sexually oriented business.”\n\nNote: California Penal Code 318.5 explicitly authorizes local (city/county) regulation of adult businesses rather than establishing a state licensing regime. Individual cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose each have their own permit/license requirements.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN&sectionNum=318.5",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "California Legislative Information",
      "evidence_quote": "Nothing in this code shall invalidate an ordinance of, or be construed to prohibit the adoption of an ordinance by, a county or city, if that ordinance directly regulates the exposure of the genitals or buttocks of any person, or the breasts of any female person, who acts as a waiter, waitress, or entertainer, whether or not the owner of the establishment in which the activity is performed employs or pays any compensation to that person to perform the activity, in an adult or sexually oriented business.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "171-california-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "California state licensing for adult entertainment businesses",
      "topic": "Whether California requires a state-level license or permit for adult entertainment businesses",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "California state law",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-ca"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r171_california_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_ca_state_distance_zoning",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Whether California has statewide distance or buffer zoning requirements for adult entertainment businesses",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] California does not have a statewide distance or buffer zoning requirement for adult entertainment businesses; distance and buffer rules are established by individual city and county ordinances.",
      "body": "California does not have a statewide distance or buffer zoning requirement for adult entertainment businesses; distance and buffer rules are established by individual city and county ordinances.\n\nWhat California Legislative Information actually says:\n\n“Nothing in this code shall invalidate an ordinance of, or be construed to prohibit the adoption of an ordinance by, a county or city, if that ordinance directly regulates the exposure of the genitals or buttocks of any person, or the breasts of any female person, who acts as a waiter, waitress, or entertainer, whether or not the owner of the establishment in which the activity is performed employs or pays any compensation to that person to perform the activity, in an adult or sexually oriented business.”\n\nNote: California Penal Code 318.5 does not establish statewide distance or buffer requirements. Each city and county creates its own zoning rules for adult entertainment businesses. Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose each have their own distance requirements.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN&sectionNum=318.5",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "California Legislative Information",
      "evidence_quote": "Nothing in this code shall invalidate an ordinance of, or be construed to prohibit the adoption of an ordinance by, a county or city, if that ordinance directly regulates the exposure of the genitals or buttocks of any person, or the breasts of any female person, who acts as a waiter, waitress, or entertainer, whether or not the owner of the establishment in which the activity is performed employs or pays any compensation to that person to perform the activity, in an adult or sexually oriented business.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "171-california-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "California state distance/buffer zoning rules for adult entertainment",
      "topic": "Whether California has statewide distance or buffer zoning requirements for adult entertainment businesses",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "California state law",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-ca"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r171_california_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_la_muni_12_70_definition",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Los Angeles definition of adult entertainment business",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 12.70 defines Adult Entertainment Business to include Adult Arcade, Adult Bookstore, Adult Cabaret, Adult Motel, Adult Motion Picture Theatre, Adult Theatre, Massage Parlor, or Sexual Encounter Establishment, each constituting a separate business even if operated in conjunction with another.",
      "body": "Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 12.70 defines Adult Entertainment Business to include Adult Arcade, Adult Bookstore, Adult Cabaret, Adult Motel, Adult Motion Picture Theatre, Adult Theatre, Massage Parlor, or Sexual Encounter Establishment, each constituting a separate business even if operated in conjunction with another.\n\nWhat American Legal Publishing actually says:\n\n“\"Adult Entertainment Business\" – Adult Arcade, Adult Bookstore, Adult Cabaret, Adult Motel, Adult Motion Picture Theatre, Adult Theatre, Massage Parlor, or Sexual Encounter Establishment, as defined herein, and each shall constitute a separate adult entertainment business even if operated in conjunction with another adult entertainment business at the same establishment.”\n\nNote: Three cities used: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose. This record covers Los Angeles. The definition focuses on physical establishments with patron-facing operations. Online content production from a private residence does not fit within these definitions as written.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/los_angeles/latest/lapz/0-0-0-10257",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "American Legal Publishing",
      "evidence_quote": "\"Adult Entertainment Business\" – Adult Arcade, Adult Bookstore, Adult Cabaret, Adult Motel, Adult Motion Picture Theatre, Adult Theatre, Massage Parlor, or Sexual Encounter Establishment, as defined herein, and each shall constitute a separate adult entertainment business even if operated in conjunction with another adult entertainment business at the same establishment.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "171-california-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 12.70",
      "topic": "Los Angeles definition of adult entertainment business",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "City of Los Angeles, California",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-ca"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r171_california_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_la_muni_12_70_prohibition",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Los Angeles distance and buffer requirements for adult entertainment businesses",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Los Angeles prohibits establishment of adult entertainment businesses within 1,000 feet of another adult entertainment business, within 500 feet of a religious institution, school, or public park, and within 500 feet of any lot in an A or R zone or within CR, C1, or C1.5 zones.",
      "body": "Los Angeles prohibits establishment of adult entertainment businesses within 1,000 feet of another adult entertainment business, within 500 feet of a religious institution, school, or public park, and within 500 feet of any lot in an A or R zone or within CR, C1, or C1.5 zones.\n\nWhat American Legal Publishing actually says:\n\n“No person shall cause or permit the establishment, substantial enlargement or transfer of ownership or control of an adult entertainment business within 1,000 feet of another adult entertainment business, or within 500 feet of a religious institution, school, or public park within the City of Los Angeles. No person shall cause or permit the establishment or maintenance of more than one adult entertainment business in the same building, structure or portion thereof, or the increase of floor area of any adult entertainment business in any building, structure or portion thereof containing another adult entertainment business.”\n\nNote: Los Angeles has some of the strictest distance requirements. These apply to physical establishments. The ordinance does not explicitly address online content production from private residences.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/los_angeles/latest/lapz/0-0-0-10257",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "American Legal Publishing",
      "evidence_quote": "No person shall cause or permit the establishment, substantial enlargement or transfer of ownership or control of an adult entertainment business within 1,000 feet of another adult entertainment business, or within 500 feet of a religious institution, school, or public park within the City of Los Angeles. No person shall cause or permit the establishment or maintenance of more than one adult entertainment business in the same building, structure or portion thereof, or the increase of floor area of any adult entertainment business in any building, structure or portion thereof containing another adult entertainment business.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "171-california-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 12.70",
      "topic": "Los Angeles distance and buffer requirements for adult entertainment businesses",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "City of Los Angeles, California",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-ca"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r171_california_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_la_muni_12_70_online_silence",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Whether Los Angeles adult entertainment zoning reaches private online production",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 12.70 is silent on private online content production; the ordinance regulates physical establishments (arcades, bookstores, cabarets, motels, theaters, massage parlors, sexual encounter establishments) and does not address content produced in private residences for online distribution.",
      "body": "Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 12.70 is silent on private online content production; the ordinance regulates physical establishments (arcades, bookstores, cabarets, motels, theaters, massage parlors, sexual encounter establishments) and does not address content produced in private residences for online distribution.\n\nWhat American Legal Publishing actually says:\n\n“\"Adult Entertainment Business\" – Adult Arcade, Adult Bookstore, Adult Cabaret, Adult Motel, Adult Motion Picture Theatre, Adult Theatre, Massage Parlor, or Sexual Encounter Establishment, as defined herein, and each shall constitute a separate adult entertainment business even if operated in conjunction with another adult entertainment business at the same establishment.”\n\nNote: Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 12.70 defines adult entertainment businesses as specific types of physical establishments. The definitions do not include private residences producing content for online distribution. The ordinance is silent on this activity.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/los_angeles/latest/lapz/0-0-0-10257",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "American Legal Publishing",
      "evidence_quote": "\"Adult Entertainment Business\" – Adult Arcade, Adult Bookstore, Adult Cabaret, Adult Motel, Adult Motion Picture Theatre, Adult Theatre, Massage Parlor, or Sexual Encounter Establishment, as defined herein, and each shall constitute a separate adult entertainment business even if operated in conjunction with another adult entertainment business at the same establishment.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "171-california-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 12.70",
      "topic": "Whether Los Angeles adult entertainment zoning reaches private online production",
      "applies_to_country": "us",
      "applies_to_scope": "City of Los Angeles, California",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-ca"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r171_california_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_sd_muni_141_0601_definition",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] San Diego definition of adult entertainment business",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] San Diego Municipal Code Section 141.0601 defines adult entertainment businesses as places where specified sexual activities are conducted or specified anatomical areas are displayed, including adult body painting studios, adult stores, adult cabarets, adult outdoor theaters, adult massage businesses, adult mini-motion picture theaters, adult model studios, adult motels, adult motion picture theaters, adult peep show businesses, adult sexual encounter businesses, and adult theaters.",
      "body": "San Diego Municipal Code Section 141.0601 defines adult entertainment businesses as places where specified sexual activities are conducted or specified anatomical areas are displayed, including adult body painting studios, adult stores, adult cabarets, adult outdoor theaters, adult massage businesses, adult mini-motion picture theaters, adult model studios, adult motels, adult motion picture theaters, adult peep show businesses, adult sexual encounter businesses, and adult theaters.\n\nWhat City of San Diego Development Services Department actually says:\n\n“San Diego Municipal Code Section 141.0601 defines the activities which constitute an adult entertainment business as a place of business where any 'specified sexual activities' are conducted, or where 'specified anatomical areas' are displayed.”\n\nNote: Three cities used: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose. This record covers San Diego. The definition focuses on 'place of business' where activities are conducted or areas are displayed. Online content production from a private residence may not fit this definition.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/dsdib144.pdf",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "City of San Diego Development Services Department",
      "evidence_quote": "San Diego Municipal Code Section 141.0601 defines the activities which constitute an adult entertainment business as a place of business where any 'specified sexual activities' are conducted, or where 'specified anatomical areas' are displayed.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "171-california-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "San Diego Municipal Code Section 141.0601",
      "topic": "San Diego definition of adult entertainment business",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "City of San Diego, California",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-ca"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r171_california_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_sd_muni_141_0601_distance",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] San Diego distance and buffer requirements for adult entertainment businesses",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] San Diego requires adult entertainment businesses to be at least 1,000 linear feet from any other adult entertainment business, residential zone, church, school, public park, or social welfare institution.",
      "body": "San Diego requires adult entertainment businesses to be at least 1,000 linear feet from any other adult entertainment business, residential zone, church, school, public park, or social welfare institution.\n\nWhat City of San Diego Development Services Department actually says:\n\n“I am aware that the business described above is subject to the Adult Entertainment regulations (San Diego Municipal Code Section 141.0601. I certify that the proposed business location is not within 1000 linear feet (measured in a straight line) of any other business that is subject to the Adult Entertainment regulations, a residential zone, church, school, public park, or social welfare institution (as defined in Municipal Code Sections 141.0601 and 141.0404 ).”\n\nNote: San Diego's 1,000-foot buffer applies to all adult entertainment businesses. The Zoning Use Certificate is not a permit or license; separate permits/licenses must be obtained from the proper agency.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/dsdib144.pdf",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "City of San Diego Development Services Department",
      "evidence_quote": "I am aware that the business described above is subject to the Adult Entertainment regulations (San Diego Municipal Code Section 141.0601. I certify that the proposed business location is not within 1000 linear feet (measured in a straight line) of any other business that is subject to the Adult Entertainment regulations, a residential zone, church, school, public park, or social welfare institution (as defined in Municipal Code Sections 141.0601 and 141.0404 ).",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "171-california-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "San Diego Municipal Code Section 141.0601",
      "topic": "San Diego distance and buffer requirements for adult entertainment businesses",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "City of San Diego, California",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-ca"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r171_california_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_sd_muni_141_0601_online_silence",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Whether San Diego adult entertainment zoning reaches private online production",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] San Diego Municipal Code Section 141.0601 is silent on private online content production; the ordinance regulates 'adult entertainment businesses' defined as places of business where specified sexual activities are conducted or specified anatomical areas are displayed, and does not address content produced in private residences for online distribution.",
      "body": "San Diego Municipal Code Section 141.0601 is silent on private online content production; the ordinance regulates 'adult entertainment businesses' defined as places of business where specified sexual activities are conducted or specified anatomical areas are displayed, and does not address content produced in private residences for online distribution.\n\nWhat City of San Diego Development Services Department actually says:\n\n“San Diego Municipal Code Section 141.0601 defines the activities which constitute an adult entertainment business as a place of business where any 'specified sexual activities' are conducted, or where 'specified anatomical areas' are displayed.”\n\nNote: San Diego's definition requires a 'place of business' where activities are conducted or areas are displayed. Private residences producing content for online distribution are not addressed in the ordinance. The ordinance is silent on this activity.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/dsdib144.pdf",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "City of San Diego Development Services Department",
      "evidence_quote": "San Diego Municipal Code Section 141.0601 defines the activities which constitute an adult entertainment business as a place of business where any 'specified sexual activities' are conducted, or where 'specified anatomical areas' are displayed.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "171-california-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "San Diego Municipal Code Section 141.0601",
      "topic": "Whether San Diego adult entertainment zoning reaches private online production",
      "applies_to_country": "us",
      "applies_to_scope": "City of San Diego, California",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-ca"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r171_california_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_sj_no_adult_ordinance_found",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] San Jose adult entertainment zoning provisions",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] San Jose does not appear to have a dedicated adult entertainment or sexually oriented business zoning ordinance in its current municipal code; the city's zoning code (Title 20) does not contain a specific adult entertainment business definition or distance requirements similar to Los Angeles or San Diego.",
      "body": "San Jose does not appear to have a dedicated adult entertainment or sexually oriented business zoning ordinance in its current municipal code; the city's zoning code (Title 20) does not contain a specific adult entertainment business definition or distance requirements similar to Los Angeles or San Diego.\n\nWhat Municode Library actually says:\n\n“Mini TOC: Title 20 - ZONING | Code of Ordinances | San Jose, CA | Municode Library Skip to Title 20 - ZONING Skip to main content San Jose, CA 1. San Jose, California - Code of Ordinances 2. Title 20 - ZONING 20.60.060 - Change from adult to family mobilehome park. 20.60.070 - Residential care and residential service facilities. 20.60.080 - Setbacks for mechanical equipment. Chapter 20.65 - OVERLAY DISTRICTS”\n\nNote: Searched San Jose Municipal Code Title 20 (Zoning) on municode.com. The table of contents shows no dedicated adult entertainment or sexually oriented business chapter. The only reference to 'adult' is in section 20.60.060 about changing from adult to family mobilehome park, which is unrelated. Three cities used: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://library.municode.com/ca/san_jose/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT20ZO",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Municode Library",
      "evidence_quote": "Mini TOC: Title 20 - ZONING | Code of Ordinances | San Jose, CA | Municode Library Skip to Title 20 - ZONING Skip to main content San Jose, CA 1. San Jose, California - Code of Ordinances 2. Title 20 - ZONING 20.60.060 - Change from adult to family mobilehome park. 20.60.070 - Residential care and residential service facilities. 20.60.080 - Setbacks for mechanical equipment. Chapter 20.65 - OVERLAY DISTRICTS",
      "volatility": "medium",
      "from_batch": "171-california-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "San Jose Municipal Code",
      "topic": "San Jose adult entertainment zoning provisions",
      "applies_to_country": "us",
      "applies_to_scope": "City of San Jose, California",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-ca"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r171_california_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_sj_public_entertainment_permit",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] San Jose public entertainment permit requirements",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] San Jose requires a public entertainment permit under Chapter 6.60 for public entertainment businesses, but this permit is for live entertainment venues (music, dancing, etc.) and does not specifically address adult entertainment or sexually oriented businesses.",
      "body": "San Jose requires a public entertainment permit under Chapter 6.60 for public entertainment businesses, but this permit is for live entertainment venues (music, dancing, etc.) and does not specifically address adult entertainment or sexually oriented businesses.\n\nWhat Municode Library actually says:\n\n“6.60.012 - Entertainment permit. \"Entertainment permit\" means that public entertainment business permit required by Section 6.60.040 of this Code.”\n\nNote: San Jose's Chapter 6.60 requires public entertainment permits for businesses featuring live entertainment. This is a general entertainment permit, not specifically targeted at adult entertainment businesses. The permit applies to businesses with live performances, dancing, music, etc.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://library.municode.com/ca/san_jose/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT6BULIRE_CH6.60PUENPE_PT3PELI_6.60.300PRDE",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Municode Library",
      "evidence_quote": "6.60.012 - Entertainment permit. \"Entertainment permit\" means that public entertainment business permit required by Section 6.60.040 of this Code.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "171-california-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "San Jose Municipal Code Chapter 6.60",
      "topic": "San Jose public entertainment permit requirements",
      "applies_to_country": "us",
      "applies_to_scope": "City of San Jose, California",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "setting_up",
        "region": [
          "us-ca"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r171_california_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_ca_home_occupation_silence",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Whether California home occupation provisions address adult content production",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] California home occupation provisions do not specifically address adult content production; home occupation rules typically restrict customer visits, employee numbers, signage, and外观 changes but do not explicitly prohibit or regulate the type of content produced for online distribution.",
      "body": "California home occupation provisions do not specifically address adult content production; home occupation rules typically restrict customer visits, employee numbers, signage, and外观 changes but do not explicitly prohibit or regulate the type of content produced for online distribution.\n\nWhat American Legal Publishing actually says:\n\n“A. Purpose and Applicability. This Section provides locational, developmental, and operational standards for the conduct of home occupations. The provisions in this Section shall apply to home occupations where allowed in compliance with Article 2 (Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development and Design Standards) and the following standards.”\n\nNote: Reviewed home occupation provisions from multiple California cities (Burbank, Oxnard, La Puente, Long Beach, Santa Clara County). None specifically address adult content production. Home occupation rules focus on physical impacts (traffic, signage, appearance) rather than content type.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/lapuente/latest/lapuente_ca/0-0-0-39590",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "American Legal Publishing",
      "evidence_quote": "A. Purpose and Applicability. This Section provides locational, developmental, and operational standards for the conduct of home occupations. The provisions in this Section shall apply to home occupations where allowed in compliance with Article 2 (Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development and Design Standards) and the following standards.",
      "volatility": "medium",
      "from_batch": "171-california-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "California home occupation zoning and adult content production",
      "topic": "Whether California home occupation provisions address adult content production",
      "applies_to_country": "us",
      "applies_to_scope": "California state and local law",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-ca"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    }
  ]
}