Exemptions from the entertainment permit requirement.
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.80.040
in effect5.80.040 - Exemptions from the entertainment permit requirement.
The following types of entertainment and events are exempt from the entertainment permit required by this chapter. An exemption does not relieve any entertainment establishment from complying with all other applicable laws, including, but not limited to, the laws related to noise levels and nuisances, particularly those contained in this Code.
A. Entertainment sponsored by any agency of the City of Riverside, the County of Riverside, the various boards of education, or by any other public agency of the State of California. The leasing or subleasing of an entertainment establishment to a third party does not constitute sponsorship of the entertainment by a public agency, and is therefore not exempt. Further, any outdoor entertainment at a public facility requires an entertainment permit.
B. Entertainment sponsored by any nonprofit public benefit organization, such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Little League or Boys and Girls Club, whose primary objective is the sponsoring and control of youth activities and child welfare. If the event is a dance, all of the following requirements must be met:
1. No person 18 years of age or older may be admitted as a guest, unless such person is a bona fide student at, or member of, the sponsoring agency or organization.
2. No alcoholic beverages may be served, consumed or permitted on the premises.
3. Chaperones from the sponsoring agency are present on the premises at the rate of two adults, who are at least 25 years of age, for every 100 guests.
4. The event must finish by 12:00 a.m. and the premises and the adjoining parking lots must be promptly vacated by all the guests.
C. Entertainment lawfully conducted at any City park, building or recreational facility.
D. Entertainment limited to the use of a radio, music recording machine, juke box, television, video games, video programs, or recorded music by an establishment that does not permit dancing.
E. Entertainment provided for members and their guests at a private club having an established membership when admission is not open to the public.
F. Entertainment provided for invited guests at a private event such as a wedding reception, banquet, or celebration where there is no admission charge. Notwithstanding, any banquet hall must still obtain an entertainment permit.
G. Entertainment conducted in connection with a regularly established theme park.
H. Parades.
I. Street performers such as musicians, singers or mimes.
J. Entertainment conducted or sponsored by any religious organization, bona fide club, organization, society or association that is exempt from taxation pursuant to United States Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3); when all proceeds, if any, arising from such entertainment are used exclusively for the benevolent purposes of such religious organization, club, society or association. Written proof of the tax-exempt status shall be provided to the Chief of Police at least seven days before the entertainment occurs.
K. Performances by the students at educational institutions as defined by the California Education Code where such performances are part of an educational or instructional curriculum or program.
L. Entertainment in theaters that does not include a disc jockey, dancing by patrons, or a live musical presentation.
M. Dance lessons, theatrical and performing arts lessons and student recitals.
N. Book readings, book signings, poetry recitations, and any other similar Entertainment consisting of the spoken word, including plays.
O. Fund-raisers for a political cause.
P. Entertainment consisting of ambient or incidental music provided for guests or patrons by musicians such as a piano player, harpist, strolling violinist, mariachi band, guitarist or band, if a sound amplifier is not utilized during the musical presentation. If an admission charge is required to observe or attend the entertainment, the music is not considered ambient or incidental.
Q. The normal and customary fitness services provided by an athletic club or fitness center.
R. Special events and temporary use permits.
S. Entertainment occurring at a hotel with 50 rooms or more.
(Ord. 7488 § 1(Exh. A), 2019)
Source: City of Riverside, California, Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ca/riverside/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_TIT5BU_CH5.80ENPE_5.80.040EXENPEREFetched: 11/1/2026