In addition to the payment of a license fee as provided for in Parts 2 and 3 of this Chapter, certain businesses, professions, trades or occupations set forth in Part 5 shall first obtain, as provided in this Part, a permit to operate such business, profession, trade or occupation within the City of Carson. No person shall operate such a business, profession, trade or occupation without first obtaining a permit to do so as hereinafter set forth. The Director of Finance, or his authorized deputy, shall not issue a license to any person to conduct a business, profession, trade or occupation for which a permit is required as hereinafter set forth unless said person has in existence a valid and unexpired permit from the City to conduct said business, trade, and/or occupation.
(Ord. 71-162 § 1; Ord. 76-389 § 1)
A separate permit shall be applied for and obtained for each and every business, occupation, trade or profession for which a permit is required by Part 5 or any other provision of this Code, regardless of community of ownership of such business, occupation, trade or profession with any other business, occupation, trade or profession, or whether the same have a common management or location.
(Ord. 71-162 § 1; Ord. 76-389 § 1)
This Part provides a special permit procedure for those businesses enumerated in Part 5. The omission therefrom of other businesses or activities covered in other provisions of this Code requiring permits or franchises shall not be deemed or construed as an intention to relieve such businesses or activities from the permit procedure or franchise procedure under which they may be governed, or which may be applicable under other sections of this Code or State Law.
(Ord. 71-162 § 1; Ord. 76-389 § 1)
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Part the Finance Director shall not issue a permit to anyone to operate or participate in the operation of any business, profession, trade, occupation, service or activity which is made unlawful by this Code or by State Law.
(Ord. 71-162 § 1; Ord. 76-389 § 1)
The application for any permit required by Parts 4 and 5 shall be filed with the Finance Director, shall be signed and verified by the applicant, and shall set forth at least the following information:
(a) 
The name and address of the applicant. If the applicant is a corporation, the name shall be exactly as set forth in its articles of incorporation.
(b) 
The name and address of the person by whom employed, if any. If filed on behalf of a partnership, corporation or association, then the names and addresses of the partners or principal officers of the partnership, corporation or association shall be stated, and if applicant is a corporation, the names and addresses of its directors and the name and address of the officer who is duly authorized to accept the service of legal process.
(c) 
The nature of the business for which a permit is requested.
(d) 
The place where such business is to be conducted.
(e) 
A brief description of the nature and amount of equipment to be used in the business.
(f) 
The personal description of the applicant, if an individual.
(g) 
Such evidence of the identity of the applicant as the Finance Director may require.
(h) 
Fingerprints and thumbprints of an individual applicant only when specifically required.
(Ord. 71-162 § 1; Ord. 76-389 § 1)
Unless otherwise stated in Part 5 of this Chapter, the fee for filing an application for a permit pursuant to this Part shall be $50.00 payable in advance. The application fee is nonrefundable. The license fee prescribed in Part 3 of this Chapter for the particular business, in addition to the permit fee, shall accompany the application. If a permit be denied, the license fee paid shall be refunded.
(Ord. 06-1342 § 5; Ord. 71-162 § 1; Ord. 76-389 § 1)
The Finance Director shall have sixty (60) days in which to investigate the application and background of the applicant. Except as may otherwise be provided in this Part, the Finance Director, upon an investigation of an application and of the business proposed to be conducted upon said premises, may grant or refuse to grant a permit. The Finance Director shall have the right to refuse to grant any permit if he determines that the granting of the same or the conduct of the business will be contrary to the preservation of the public peace, health, safety, morals or welfare of the City or its inhabitants. In addition, no permit shall be granted if:
(a) 
The business is prohibited by any local or State law, statute, rule or regulation, or prohibited in the particular location by any law, statute or rule.
(b) 
The granting of the permit would result in the establishment of use or occupancy of land in violation of the Zoning Ordinance or Zoning Map of the City.
(c) 
The granting of the permit would result in an occupancy or use in violation of any other provision or regulation of this Code.
(d) 
The granting of the permit or occupancy or use pursuant thereto would result in the creation or maintenance of a public nuisance.
(e) 
The granting of the permit, by reason of special or unusual circumstance, would be detrimental to the public interest or endanger the public health, safety, morals or welfare.
(f) 
The applicant is unfit to be trusted with the privileges granted by such permit or has a bad moral character, intemperate habits or a bad reputation for truth, honesty or integrity.
(g) 
The applicant has knowingly made a false statement on a material matter in the application and it is, therefore, in the public interest that such permit not be granted.
Having completed the aforementioned investigation, the Finance Director shall, within fifteen (15) working days, either grant the permit or mail written notification of the reasons for denial thereof. If neither above action is taken, the permit shall be deemed issued.
(Ord. 09-1431 § 1; Ord. 71-162 § 1; Ord. 76-389 § 1)
The Finance Director, Chief of Police, or other appropriate officer may examine under oath any applicant to determine who is the real party in interest in the business, profession, trade or occupation for which a permit is sought. If the Finance Director or other official having jurisdiction is satisfied that the person in whose name the application is made is not the real party in interest, he may deny the permit.
If the Finance Director or such other official finds that the real party in interest as to the application is one whose permit has been revoked or who has been refused a permit, he may treat the application as though made by the real party in interest for all purposes of this Chapter.
(Ord. 71-162 § 1; Ord. 76-389 § 1)
Every person having a permit issued pursuant to this Chapter shall within five (5) days after any change of ownership or any of the information or facts required to be stated in the application for permit, notify the Director of Finance in writing of any such change.
(Ord. 71-162 § 1; Ord. 76-389 § 1)
If any permittee adopts a name or designation not specified in its application for a permit, or changes such name or designation, such permittee shall, within five (5) days thereafter, notify the Finance Director in writing of such change.
(Ord. 71-162 § 1; Ord. 76-389 § 1)
Within thirty (30) days after any change of directors of a corporate permittee, the permittee shall notify the Finance Director in writing of such change and shall file an application for approval of the change of directors, and pay a fee of $15.00. If such permittee shall fail to comply with the provisions of this Section, or if the Finance Director shall deny the approval of the change of directors, the permit theretofore issued to such corporation shall become null and void upon such change of directors without the Finance Director's approval or upon such denial.
(Ord. 71-162 § 1; Ord. 76-389 § 1)
In granting any permit, the Finance Director may, in the application of the standards stated in CMC § 6376 in order to protect the public peace, health, safety, morals or welfare, impose reasonable conditions or regulations pertaining to the conduct of such business or the occupancy or use of any land or building in connection therewith, in addition to, but not limited by those regulations contained in this Part.
(Ord. 71-162 § 1; Ord. 76-389 § 1)
Upon receipt of an application for a permit under this Part, the same shall be referred to the appropriate agencies for investigation and report pertaining to relevant zoning, building, health, safety, fire and law enforcement.
(Ord. 71-162 § 1; Ord. 76-389 § 1)
Any permit issued under the terms of this Part may be revoked or suspended at any time thereafter by the Finance Director in the following instances:
(a) 
Where the permittee has violated any terms or provisions of said permit, any provisions of the Carson Municipal Code, or any other ordinance or statute relating to the permitted activity;
(b) 
Where the permittee has knowingly made any false, misleading or fraudulent statement of a material fact in the application for a permit, or in any report or record required to be filed with any governmental agency;
(c) 
Where the permittee has been convicted of a felony or any crime involving theft or embezzlement;
(d) 
Where the permittee has committed any act constituting dishonesty or fraud;
(e) 
Reserved;
(f) 
Where the permittee has committed any unlawful, false, fraudulent deception or dangerous act while conducting a licensed business;
(g) 
Where the permittee has published, uttered or disseminated any false, deceptive or misleading statements or advertisements in connection with the operation of a licensed business;
(h) 
Where the permittee has violated any rule or regulation adopted by any governmental agency related to the licensee's business;
(i) 
Where the permittee willfully fails to comply with the terms of any contract made as a part of the exercise of the licensed business;
(j) 
Where the permittee has conducted the licensed business in a manner contrary to the peace, health, safety and the general welfare of the public;
(k) 
Reserved; and
(l) 
Where there is a criminal investigation that uncovers evidence that the permittee has violated any laws or regulations enforced by any government agency that has jurisdiction over the business.
(Ord. 71-162; Ord. 76-389 § 1; Ord. 25-2509, 8/5/2025)
In addition to the grounds stated in any other section of this Chapter, the Finance Director shall suspend for a period of not less than ten (10) days nor more than sixty (60) days an ambulance operator license granted pursuant to CMC § 63100 and § 63103 or a tow truck operator license granted pursuant to CMC § 63100 and § 63151 if he finds that any such licensee, his agent or employee, general manager, or person who is exercising managerial authority of or on behalf of the licensee has acted as a runner or capper as prohibited by Sections 6151 and 6152 of the California Business and Professions Code.
In addition to the grounds stated in any other section of this Chapter, the Finance Director shall revoke an ambulance operator license granted pursuant to CMC § 63100 and § 63103 or a tow truck operator license granted pursuant to CMC § 63100 and § 63151 if he finds that any such licensee, his agent or employee, general manager, or person who is exercising managerial authority of or on behalf of the licensee or any combination of such persons has acted as a runner or capper as prohibited by Sections 6151 and 6152 of the California Business and Professions Code more than once in any twelve (12) month period.
(Ord. 74-322 § 1; Ord. 76-389 § 1)
Any person may, within fifteen (15) days after notice thereof is received, file an appeal with the City Clerk from any decision of the Finance Director or any condition or regulations imposed by the Finance Director. Any such appeal shall be in writing and shall specify:
(a) 
The name and address of appellant;
(b) 
The matter being appealed;
(c) 
A statement of the grounds of appeal.
(Ord. 09-1431 § 2; Ord. 71-162 § 6388; Ord. 76-389 § 1)
If a Notice of Appeal filed with the City Clerk is found by the City Clerk to be deficient, the City Clerk shall forthwith deliver or mail or cause to be mailed to the appellant by certified mail addressed to the appellant at the address of the appellant accompanying said Notice of Appeal, a Notice of Deficiency specifying the particulars in which the Notice of Appeal is deficient. If such deficiency has not been corrected by the appellant within seven (7) days after such mailing of such Notice of Deficiency by filing with the City Clerk a sufficient amendment to said Notice of Appeal, the Notice of Appeal shall be deemed to be withdrawn.
(Ord. 76-389 § 1)
Upon the filing of a Notice of Appeal, the City Clerk shall notify the Finance Director, who shall thereupon transmit to the City Clerk a copy of the factual data in the file of the Finance Director. Upon receipt of the factual data, the matter shall be placed on the agenda of the City Council for hearing.
(Ord. 76-389 § 1)
Whenever a hearing is required by this Part, notice of the hearing is to be given to the appellant not less than five (5) days before such hearing either by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed to the appellant or other interested person at the address stated in the notice of appeal or as filed with or known to the City Clerk, or in the manner required for the service of summons in civil actions.
(Ord. 71-162 § 1; Ord. 76-389 § 1)
At the time of the hearing, the Council shall hear and consider any relevant and material evidence and reports. In such hearing, the appellant shall be given an opportunity to appear either personally or by counsel and to be heard and to call witnesses on his behalf. The Council may place any witness, including the appellant, under oath. The hearing may be continued from time to time as determined necessary by the Council or upon the request of the appellant upon good cause being shown therefor, in the sound discretion of the City Council.
(Ord. 76-389 § 1)
At the close of the hearing or at any time within thirty (30) days thereafter, the City Council shall determine from the facts produced at the hearing and from any other facts in its possession and presented at such hearing, whether to grant or deny the appeal. The Council may make its order conditional upon the appellant doing or not doing any act, either personally or through his servants or agents, which the Council deems for the public good.
(Ord. 76-389; Ord. 71-162)
Unless the Council publicly announces its decision at the close of the hearing, it shall, within thirty (30) days thereafter, cause notice of its decision to be given. Such notice shall be given either by personal delivery thereof to the appellant or to any employee of such appellant at the address set forth in the notice of appeal, providing said permittee is absent from said place of business, or by depositing such notice in the United States Mail in a sealed envelope, first class registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed to the appellant at said address or to such other address of the appellant as may be filed with or known to the City Clerk. Service by mail shall be deemed to have been completed at the time of the deposit in a facility of the United States Post Office Department in the City.
(Ord. 71-162 § 1; Ord. 76-389 § 1)
Proof of giving any notice herein required may be made by the certificate of any officer or employee of this City, or by affidavit or declaration under penalty of perjury of any person over the age of eighteen (18) years, which shows service in conformity with this Part.
(Ord. 71-162 § 1; Ord. 76-389 § 1)
After revocation or suspension of any permit by the Finance Director, no license shall thereafter be issued by the Finance Director to the licensee or permittee to carry on any business or do any act for which said permit was granted until a new permit and license shall have been granted therefor by the City Council following a public hearing pursuant to the procedure provided in CMC § 6385.3, § 6385.4, and § 6385.5.
(Ord. 71-162 § 1; Ord. 76-389 § 1)
No person whose license or permit has been suspended or revoked pursuant to this Part shall engage in or carry on any business or do any act permitted to be done pursuant to such license or permit during the period of suspension or after revocation thereof, until a new license or permit shall have been granted and both such permit and license shall be in full force and effect.
(Ord. 76-389 § 1)
No person shall make any false, misleading or fraudulent statement, or misrepresentation of any fact in any application for a license or permit required to be filed with the Finance Director or any authorized officer or employee of this City. In addition to any other penalties provided in any Chapter of this Code, such conduct shall be grounds for suspending or revoking any license or permit issued to such person.
(Ord. 71-162 § 1; Ord. 76-386 § 1)
Permits shall be posted or kept in like manner as provided with respect to licenses in CMC § 6328.
(Ord. 71-162 § 1; Ord. 76-386 § 1)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter, permits issued hereunder shall be renewed annually by the Director of Finance provided he has received favorable reports with respect thereto from all investigating agencies concerned. The purpose of the annual renewal herein contained is to determine compliance with the provisions of this Code and with any terms or conditions of permit issued under this Chapter.
(Ord. 71-162 § 1; Ord. 76-386 § 1)
No permit issued under this Part shall be transferable except by the consent of the Finance Director.
(Ord. 71-162 § 1; Ord. 76-386 § 1)
Upon written request and for good cause, the Council may, by motion adopted by four-fifths (4/5) of its members, waive any of the requirements of this Chapter as to application, hearing and permit fees with respect to any institution or organization which is conducted, managed or carried on wholly for the benefit of charitable, religious, educational, recreational, or scientific purposes and from which profit is not derived either directly or indirectly by any individual, firm or corporation.
(Ord. 71-162 § 1; Ord. 76-389 § 1)
(a) 
All permit fees required by Parts 4 and 5 of this Chapter shall be due and payable to the City in advance, whether such fees shall be for an original permit or a renewal permit. All annual permits originally issued prior to January 1, 1989, and thereafter renewed and in effect, shall upon expiration of the current term be renewed for terms as follows:
(1) 
If the permit is not held by a person required to have a business license, the term shall be determined in accordance with rules, regulations and procedures formulated by the Director of Finance, and if the term shall be less than one (1) year, the permit fee shall be a pro rata portion of the annual permit fee.
(2) 
If the permit is held by a person holding a business license for such activity or business, the term of the permit shall be established by the Director of Finance pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, and if the term shall be less than one (1) year, the permit fee shall be a pro rata portion of the annual permit fee.
(3) 
If there is any other circumstance not covered in paragraphs (1) or (2) above, the Director of Finance shall formulate rules, regulations and procedures to establish the term of the permit and if such term be less than one (1) year, to assign a pro rata portion of the annual fee thereto. In such case, the Director of Finance shall also formulate rules, regulations and procedures to coordinate the term of such permit and the term of any license where appropriate.
(b) 
The term of original annual permits issued after January 1, 1989, shall run from commencement of the business or activity for which a permit is required to the last day of the eleventh calendar month following the month in which the business or activity commenced (termination date). The anniversary date shall be the first day of the calendar month following the termination date. Permit fees are payable on or before the anniversary date. All existing permits which will terminate on December 31, 1988, are required to be renewed January 1, 1989, or such later date as may be established by the Finance Director pursuant to CMC § 6351. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this subsection (b), all permit fees for permits issued to a permittee at one (1) location shall be payable on the same anniversary date as the business license for the business at such location pursuant to the provisions of CMC § 6325, and the terms of such permits shall be the same as the terms of the business licenses for the business at such location pursuant to CMC § 6335.
(c) 
Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary contained in this Chapter 3, the Finance Director is hereby authorized and directed, pursuant to CMC § 6314 and § 6343, to formulate such rules, regulations and procedures as may be necessary and desirable to co-ordinate the time of payment of fees for an original permit or a renewal permit with the time of payment provided for in CMC § 6325 relating to license fees, so as to facilitate the administration of this Chapter.
(Ord. 89-895U § 2; Ord. 89-860 § 1; Ord. 89-860U § 1; Ord. 88-840 § 4; Ord. 76-162 § 1; Ord. 76-389 § 1)
(a) 
Delinquency defined: Any permit fee required by this Chapter is delinquent if not paid by 6:00 p.m. on the day that such permit fee becomes due and payable. Original permit fees are due prior to the commencement of any business requiring such permit fee. If the day the permit fee becomes due and payable falls on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, National or State Holiday or any other day the City's offices are closed, such permit fee is delinquent if not paid by 6:00 p.m. on the next business day.
(b) 
Any daily, weekly or monthly permit fee required by this Chapter that remains unpaid after 6:00 p.m. on the day that the fee becomes due and payable shall be assessed a penalty of fifty (50) percent of the amount of the permit fee, which penalty shall be added to the fee. When the day that the penalty is to be imposed falls on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, National or State Holiday, or on any other day the City's offices are closed, the penalty shall be imposed if the fee is not paid by 6:00 p.m. on the next business day.
(c) 
Any annual permit fee required by this Chapter that is not paid by 6:00 p.m. on the second business day of the second calendar month immediately succeeding the month in which the fee becomes due and payable shall be assessed a penalty of fifty (50) percent of the amount of the permit fee, which penalty shall be added to the fee.
(Ord. 06-1342 § 6)
The City Manager or designee shall have the power, for good cause shown, to extend the time for filing any application for a permit or renewal of a permit required by this Chapter and the due date for payment of the fee for such permit for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days and in such case to waive any penalty that may otherwise have accrued during such thirty (30) day period. The City Manager or designee shall have the power to compromise any dispute with respect to a permit fee imposed hereunder.
(Ord. 89-895U § 4; Ord. 14-1541 § 3)