TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Javier Carcamo, Finance Director
PREPARED BY: Paul Early, City Attorney
SUBJECT:
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Second Reading of Ordinance No. 618-25, Amending Title 5 of the Murrieta Municipal Code relating to the Business Licenses
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 618-25 entitled: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, amending Title 5 of the Murrieta Municipal Code relating to the Business Licenses.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On April 15, 2025, the City Council conducted a public hearing and approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 618-25 (Vote 5-0).
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Provide a high level of innovative public safety.
BACKGROUND
Title 5 of the Murrieta Municipal Code (MMC) regulates the issuance, collection, revocation and appeal processes related to business licenses in the City of Murrieta. In addition to general business licenses, Title 5 also contains Chapters regulating specific business types, including, but not limited to, Bingo Games, Fortune Telling Establishments, Adult Oriented Business, Short Term Rentals and Tobacco and Alcohol sales. As these Chapters were adopted over time, separate and inconsistent appeal processes developed.
DISCUSSION
Ordinance No. 618-25 proposes several clean-up changes to Title 5 of the MMC to provide a single consistent appeal process for all business licenses, such that all appeals are handled uniformly using the same procedures outlined in amended Section 5.04.030. The amended uniform appeal procedure will have all appeals heard by a neutral and independent hearing officer appointed by the City Manager.
In addition, Sections of Title 5 have been made consistent to indicate that the Business License Official is responsible for initially determining suspensions or revocations of business licenses, instead of the City Council.
Finally, Ordinance No. 618-25 contains new language that expands the scope of business license requirements in the City. Previously, a business license was required for those actively conducting business within the City. Under the updated ordinance, a business license is also required for advertising, soliciting, or promoting a business in the City.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance No. 618-25
2. Municipal Code Title 5 Business License and Regulation Redlined Version
3. Municipal Code Title 5 Business License and Regulation Clean Final Version