SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento City Council is working to revitalize the local economy. The council voted Tuesday to approve a faster, lower-cost way for small businesses to obtain recreational permits.
Under the current process, permits require an application fee of approximately $1,700. As part of the process, city staff must inspect the venue to ensure it meets building codes for fire, plumbing, electrical and zoning regulations.
If any of them do not meet current city standards, they will need to be addressed and require another inspection, which could take several months.
“We are adopting a different type of entertainment permit that will allow some small businesses to provide entertainment without going through the same process as nightclubs,” said Tina Lee Vogt, nighttime economy manager. ” he said.
So how will this amendment streamline the permitting process?
Unlike larger venues, the amendment would require only small restaurants to meet zoning requirements and follow occupancy requirements set by the fire department.
That would reduce the number of tests and cut application costs in half.
“So if your staff doesn't need to do as much work, you can reduce that work and reduce the burden on the business owner,” Lee Vogt said.
A statement from the Downtown Sacramento Partnership reads in part:
“The proposals for a restricted entertainment permit provide a valuable opportunity for businesses that do not wish to carry out entertainment every day, expand their offer to customers, create more vibrancy, albeit on a much smaller scale, and Importantly, it provides an avenue to support the local arts community.”
The permit applies to bars and restaurants throughout the city, not just the downtown area. Official revisions are expected to take place within about two months.