Bingo Ordinance Amendment

The City Council of La Cañada Flintridge has amended Chapter 5.01 of Title 5 of the La Cañada Flintridge Municipal Code to introduce specific application procedures and time restrictions for bingo game activities. This ordinance mandates that organizations wishing to conduct bingo games must now submit a Bingo License application along with a fee for approval by the City. The application will be reviewed by the city manager’s office to ensure compliance with the local chapter and California Penal Code Section 326.5. The bingo license is valid for one year, ensuring annual review and renewal of permits.

Additionally, the ordinance imposes time restrictions on the conduct of bingo games. Bingo activities are now limited to a maximum of six hours within a 24-hour period and are prohibited from being held between 2:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. These changes align local regulations with state laws, providing a structured framework for the approval and timing of bingo games, thereby enhancing regulatory oversight and ensuring that the games are conducted in a manner consistent with state law.

Potential Change to Municipal Code Section 5.24.035, Use of Park/Designated Recreational Facilities, Fees and Fee Waiver

At the request of the Parks and Recreation Commission, City staff initiated a process in the spring of 2023 to review Municipal Code Section 5.24.035, Use of Park/Designated Recreational Facilities, Fees and Fee Waiver, to make recommendations to the City Council to change the language affecting fees and fee waivers.

The proposed language by the Parks and Recreation Commission is below in bold/italics:

5.24.010 Definitions.

For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall be defined as set forth in this section:
“Club” means a group or organization formed with the purpose of providing recreation, athletic, athletic competition and/or sports training opportunities for its membership where such membership is exclusive or qualifying as determined by the group or organization; and/or is a group or organization that defines itself as a club or competitive club, and/or is governed by a club or competitive club board of governors, and/or is insured by a club or competitive club organization.

5.24.035 Fees and fee waiver.

Each application for a reservation shall be accompanied by a fee in an amount established by resolution of the city council. “Clubs” are not eligible for fee waivers. A resident applicant may make an application for a fee waiver to the city manager or designee. Fee waivers may be granted to residents at the city’s discretion, when two or more of the following conditions have been met:

A. The resident applicant is a non-profit or not-for-profit organization recognized as such by the state of California.

B. The resident applicant agrees to provide in-kind services or perform community service.

C. The activity/event for which the permit has been requested is open to the public, free of charge.

D. The city council is a partner, co-sponsor, or has formally endorsed the event for which the permit is being requested.

Any determination by the city manager or designee shall be final and effective unless appealed to the parks and recreation commission by the resident applicant within ten calendar days following issuance of the denial. Notice of such appeal must be filed in the office of the city manager and shall be accompanied by a written statement setting forth the reasons for the appeal. The parks and recreation commission shall conduct a hearing on the appeal, and following such hearing, shall consider the matter and may affirm, reverse, or modify the determination of the city manager or designee. (Ord. 328 § 2, 2002)